{"id":41011,"date":"2026-05-17T00:01:00","date_gmt":"2026-05-16T23:01:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aerospaceglobalnews.com\/?p=41011"},"modified":"2026-05-18T12:45:16","modified_gmt":"2026-05-18T11:45:16","slug":"raf-eurofighter-typhoon-apkws-middle-east-drones","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aerospaceglobalnews.com\/news\/raf-eurofighter-typhoon-apkws-middle-east-drones\/","title":{"rendered":"RAF Eurofighter Typhoons are now using low-cost APKWS rockets against drones in Middle East"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/aerospaceglobalnews.com\/tag\/raf\/\" type=\"link\" id=\"https:\/\/aerospaceglobalnews.com\/tag\/raf\/\">RAF<\/a><\/span><\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/aerospaceglobalnews.com\/tag\/eurofighter-typhoon\/\" type=\"post_tag\" id=\"862\">Eurofighter Typhoon <\/a>fighters are now operating with low-cost APKWS laser-guided rockets in the Middle East following a rapid integration effort driven by growing drone threats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/aerospaceglobalnews.com\/tag\/bae-systems\/\" type=\"post_tag\" id=\"109\">BAE Systems <\/a><\/span><\/strong>led the integration of its Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (<strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/aerospaceglobalnews.com\/tag\/apkws-ii\/\" type=\"post_tag\" id=\"10047\">APKWS<\/a><\/span><\/strong>) onto the RAF\u2019s Eurofighter Typhoon fleet. <strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/aerospaceglobalnews.com\/tag\/qinetiq\/\" type=\"post_tag\" id=\"117\">QinetiQ<\/a><\/span><\/strong> supported testing, range operations and aerial target provision during the trials programme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The development marks a significant shift in how Western air forces are adapting combat aircraft to deal with large numbers of low-cost drones and one-way attack munitions without exhausting stocks of high-value missiles.<\/p>\n\n\n<section x-data=\"PegasusMediaBlock\" \n         class=\"Media relative   layout w-full h-full \" \n         style=\"min-height: \">\n            \n                    <div class=\"relative w-full h-0 pb-[56.25%] overflow-hidden\" style=\"min-height: \">\n        <video title=\"Eurofighter Typhoon uses APKWS against drones\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" class=\"absolute-center w-full !h-full video-upload object-contain\" ><source src=\"https:\/\/aerospaceglobalnews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/APKWS-2.mp4\"  type=\"video\/mp4\"><\/video>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <div x-ref=\"videoPlaceholder\" class=\"absolute-center w-full !h-full\" @click=\"playVideo()\">\n        <picture><source media=\"(min-width: 768px) and (min-resolution: 144dpi)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aerospaceglobalnews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Screenshot-2026-05-15-at-12.41.15-1902x0-c-default.webp\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(min-width: 1680px)\" 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srcset=\"https:\/\/aerospaceglobalnews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Screenshot-2026-05-15-at-12.41.15-768x0-c-default.webp\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/aerospaceglobalnews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Screenshot-2026-05-15-at-12.41.15-480x0-c-default.webp\" type=\"image\/webp\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/aerospaceglobalnews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Screenshot-2026-05-15-at-12.41.15-2560x0-c-default.jpg\"  srcset=\"https:\/\/aerospaceglobalnews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Screenshot-2026-05-15-at-12.41.15-480x0-c-default.jpeg 480w, https:\/\/aerospaceglobalnews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Screenshot-2026-05-15-at-12.41.15-768x0-c-default.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/aerospaceglobalnews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Screenshot-2026-05-15-at-12.41.15-992x0-c-default.jpeg 992w, https:\/\/aerospaceglobalnews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Screenshot-2026-05-15-at-12.41.15-1200x0-c-default.jpeg 1200w, https:\/\/aerospaceglobalnews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Screenshot-2026-05-15-at-12.41.15-1500x0-c-default.jpeg 1500w, https:\/\/aerospaceglobalnews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Screenshot-2026-05-15-at-12.41.15-1680x0-c-default.jpeg 1680w, https:\/\/aerospaceglobalnews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Screenshot-2026-05-15-at-12.41.15-1902x0-c-default.jpeg 1902w\" sizes=\"auto, 100vw\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Typhoon tests APKWS\" height=\"1049\" width=\"1902\" class=\"sm:absolute sm:top-1\/2 sm:left-1\/2 sm:transform sm:-translate-x-1\/2 sm:-translate-y-1\/2 w-full !h-full object-cover\"><\/picture>\n\n        <button type=\"button\" class=\"absolute-center w-24 h-24\">\n            <span class=\"sr-only\">Play Video<\/span>\n            <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" viewBox=\"0 0 106 106\" style=\"enable-background:new 0 0 106 106;\" width=\"96\" height=\"96\" xml:space=\"preserve\">\n                <g>\n                    <path fill=\"#191919\" fill-opacity=\"0.8\" d=\"M53,0L53,0c29.3,0,53,23.7,53,53l0,0c0,29.3-23.7,53-53,53l0,0C23.7,106,0,82.3,0,53l0,0C0,23.7,23.7,0,53,0z\"\/>\n                    <path fill=\"#ffffff\" d=\"M35.3,30.4v45.3c0,0.4,0.1,0.7,0.3,1c0.2,0.3,0.5,0.6,0.8,0.7c0.3,0.2,0.7,0.3,1,0.3c0.4,0,0.7-0.1,1-0.3 l37-22.6c0.3-0.2,0.5-0.4,0.7-0.7c0.2-0.3,0.3-0.6,0.3-1c0-0.3-0.1-0.7-0.3-1c-0.2-0.3-0.4-0.6-0.7-0.7l-37-22.6 c-0.3-0.2-0.7-0.3-1-0.3c-0.4,0-0.7,0.1-1,0.3c-0.3,0.2-0.6,0.4-0.8,0.7C35.4,29.6,35.3,30,35.3,30.4z\"\/>\n                <\/g>\n            <\/svg>\n        <\/button>\n    <\/div>\n\n        \n            <\/section>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThis has been a superb effort working with industry to test and deploy this system in a matter of months, which will help the RAF shoot down many more drones at a much lower cost,&#8221; says Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard MP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cOur Typhoon fleet is the backbone of UK and NATO air defence, with the RAF protecting Europe\u2019s Eastern flank from Russian drone incursions and defending our partners across the Middle East.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-6-xl-font-size\">RAF fast-tracks Typhoon counter-drone capability<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Earlier this year, RAF Typhoons successfully test-fired APKWS during trials at the MOD Aberporth range in Wales using QinetiQ\u2019s Banshee Whirlwind aerial target drones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>QinetiQ said it supported the engineering integration process, created safety zones at the range and provided realistic aerial targets for Typhoon crews to train against.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Those targets included the Banshee Whirlwind, one of QinetiQ\u2019s high-speed uncrewed aerial target systems capable of simulating modern drone threats. The company says the platform, manufactured in Kent, is already used by more than 30 countries for air-defence training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/aerospaceglobalnews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Banshee-Whirlwind-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"QinetiQ Banshee Whirlwind uncrewed platform\" class=\"wp-image-41012\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aerospaceglobalnews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Banshee-Whirlwind-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/aerospaceglobalnews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Banshee-Whirlwind-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/aerospaceglobalnews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Banshee-Whirlwind-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: QinetiQ<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The speed at which the capability moved from trial phase to operational deployment is notable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Only last month, <strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/aerospaceglobalnews.com\/news\/eurofighter-typhoon-apkws-low-cost-drone-defence\/\" type=\"post\" id=\"39225\">BAE Systems confirmed Typhoon had successfully test-fired APKWS during UK trials<\/a><\/span><\/strong> as part of efforts to explore cheaper counter-drone weapons for modern air combat operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The accelerated timeline is notable. A successful ground-target firing took place in March at BAE Systems\u2019 Warton site, followed by RAF air-to-air trials conducted by 41 Test and Evaluation Squadron in April. The capability was then operationally deployed in the Middle East in May.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cOur priority is to ensure the Royal Air Force and its allies have the advanced technologies they need today and into the future, to keep them ahead of evolving threats,&#8221; says Simon Barnes, Group Managing Director, BAE Systems Air sector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;This capability demonstrates Typhoon\u2019s exceptional versatility and underlines its continued role as the backbone of combat air across Europe and the Middle East.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The RAF said 9 Squadron Typhoons have already flown operational sorties with the system in the Middle East.<\/p>\n\n\n        <div class=\"flex flex-wrap items-center justify-start -mx-2 mt-6\">\n                                    <a href=\"https:\/\/aerospaceglobalnews.com\/news\/uk-120000-drones-ukraine-2026\/\"  class=\"btn-ocean  mx-2 my-2  flex items-center flex-row \">\n                                        <span class=\"sr-only\">Also read: Britain to supply Ukraine with 120,000 drones in 2026<\/span>\n                    <span>Also read: Britain to supply Ukraine with 120,000 drones in 2026<\/span>\n                <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n        \n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-6-xl-font-size\">Why low-cost drone interceptors are becoming essential<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The rapid deployment reflects a growing problem facing Western air forces: modern drone warfare is creating an unsustainable economic imbalance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East have repeatedly demonstrated how relatively cheap drones and loitering munitions can force militaries to expend extremely expensive interceptor missiles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Weapons such as <a href=\"https:\/\/aerospaceglobalnews.com\/tag\/mbda-meteor\/\" type=\"post_tag\" id=\"9036\">Meteor<\/a>, <strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/aerospaceglobalnews.com\/tag\/aim-120-amraam\/\" type=\"post_tag\" id=\"7768\">AMRAAM<\/a><\/span><\/strong> or even advanced surface-to-air missiles may cost hundreds of thousands, or even millions, of pounds per shot. Many one-way attack drones cost only a tiny fraction of that amount.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>APKWS offers a far cheaper alternative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/aerospaceglobalnews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/RS273304_DP168270-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Eurofighter Typhoon test pilot gets ready to fly with APKWS for the first time\" class=\"wp-image-39235\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aerospaceglobalnews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/RS273304_DP168270-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/aerospaceglobalnews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/RS273304_DP168270-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/aerospaceglobalnews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/RS273304_DP168270-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: BAE Systems<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Rather than being a traditional missile, the system converts existing 70mm unguided rockets into precision-guided weapons using a semi-active laser guidance kit. The result is a scalable, comparatively inexpensive interceptor suitable for engaging drones and low-value aerial threats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The issue has become increasingly urgent as Iranian and Shahed-style one-way attack drones proliferate across modern conflict zones.<\/p>\n\n\n        <div class=\"flex flex-wrap items-center justify-start -mx-2 mt-6\">\n                                    <a href=\"https:\/\/aerospaceglobalnews.com\/news\/raf-eurofighter-typhoon-ecrs-mk2-qinetiq\/\"  class=\"btn-ocean  mx-2 my-2  flex items-center flex-row \">\n                                        <span class=\"sr-only\">Related: RAF Eurofighter Typhoon fleet set for ECRS Mk2 radar upgrade under QinetiQ deal<\/span>\n                    <span>Related: RAF Eurofighter Typhoon fleet set for ECRS Mk2 radar upgrade under QinetiQ deal<\/span>\n                <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n        \n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-6-xl-font-size\">Drone warfare is reshaping combat aircraft priorities<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Typhoon integration also reflects a wider shift underway across Western air forces as combat aircraft adapt to an era increasingly dominated by drones, cruise missiles and saturation attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>High-end fighters are no longer optimised solely for air superiority or deep strike missions. They are increasingly expected to provide layered air defence against large numbers of smaller, cheaper aerial threats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/aerospaceglobalnews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/CENTCOM-LUCAS-attack-drones-1024x683.jpeg\" alt=\"CENTCOM LUCAS attack drones\" class=\"wp-image-38428\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aerospaceglobalnews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/CENTCOM-LUCAS-attack-drones-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/aerospaceglobalnews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/CENTCOM-LUCAS-attack-drones-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/aerospaceglobalnews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/CENTCOM-LUCAS-attack-drones-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/aerospaceglobalnews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/CENTCOM-LUCAS-attack-drones.jpeg 1620w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: CENTCOM<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>That challenge is forcing militaries to rethink both weapons procurement and operational doctrine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The RAF\u2019s rapid integration of APKWS onto Typhoon suggests air forces are becoming more willing to accelerate capability upgrades outside traditional procurement timelines as operational pressures grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Steve Wadey, Group CEO of QinetiQ, said the company\u2019s teams were helping provide \u201cthe urgent capabilities that ensure the UK and its allies remain safe and warfighting ready.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Typhoon\u2019s rapid APKWS integration may offer an early glimpse of how Western combat aircraft will increasingly fight drone-heavy conflicts: using large numbers of cheaper precision interceptors rather than relying solely on premium air-to-air missiles.<\/p>\n\n\n        <div class=\"flex flex-wrap items-center justify-start -mx-2 mt-6\">\n                                    <a href=\"https:\/\/aerospaceglobalnews.com\/defence-aviation-news\/\"  class=\"btn-stealth  mx-2 my-2  flex items-center flex-row \">\n                                        <span class=\"sr-only\">Get the latest defence aviation news here on AGN.<\/span>\n                    <span>Get the latest defence aviation news here on AGN.<\/span>\n                <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n        \n\n\n<p><em>Featured image: BAE Systems<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The RAF has accelerated the integration of laser-guided APKWS rockets onto Eurofighter Typhoons as Western air forces seek cheaper ways to counter drone saturation attacks.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":16,"featured_media":39232,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[84,29,6],"tags":[10047,862,117,406,264,7663],"class_list":["post-41011","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-defence","category-defence-security","category-trending-articles","tag-apkws-ii","tag-eurofighter-typhoon","tag-qinetiq","tag-raf","tag-royal-air-force","tag-united-kingdom"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>RAF Eurofighter Typhoons are using APKWS against drones in Middle East<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"RAF Typhoons are now using APKWS rockets in the Middle East as the UK accelerates low-cost counter-drone capability.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, 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