RAF Deploys Low-Cost Anti-Drone Missiles on Middle East Typhoons

The Royal Air Force has deployed the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) on Typhoon fighter jets operating in the Middle East, converting unguided rockets into low-cost precision weapons designed to destroy enemy drones. The system, mounted on aircraft from No. 9 Squadron, moved from testing to operational status in under two months following successful air-to-air and air-to-ground trials in March and April.

The deployment addresses a stark cost imbalance in counter-drone operations. Previous interceptions reportedly cost approximately £200,000 per missile, while APKWS rockets are estimated at $30,000 each, aligning closely with the $20,000–$50,000 cost of Iranian Shahed 136 drones they are intended to intercept. The rapid fielding resulted from cooperation between the Ministry of Defence, BAE Systems, and QinetiQ.

The move follows escalating regional tensions, including a March drone strike on RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus and ongoing conflicts involving Iran, Israel, and the United States. It also builds on broader UK defence investments: a £650 million commitment in January to upgrade the Typhoon fleet and a separate multi-million-pound contract for Skyhammer interceptor missiles. Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard emphasized the system's cost-effectiveness, while Air 11 Group Deputy Director Operations Donal McGurk managed the integration into the air defence package. The system is intended to protect British personnel, interests, and regional partners against evolving drone threats.