Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) Missile

The Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) program is a new start in the Air Force's FY 2026 budget, focused on the procurement and conversion of APKWS II rockets to the air-to-air FALCO variant. The primary goal of this program is to enhance the Air Force's capability to engage and destroy unmanned aerial systems (UAS) using precision-guided munitions launched from fixed-wing platforms such as the A-10, F-15, and F-16. The APKWS II with FALCO software integrates a proximity fuse, warhead, guidance and control section, and rocket motor, providing a cost-effective solution for counter-UAS missions and increasing operational flexibility in various terrains.

The specific objectives of the APKWS line item include procurement of FALCO all-up-rounds (AURs) in FY 2026. Each AUR consists of a proximity fuse, warhead, guidance and control section, and rocket motor, all launched from the LAU-131A/A rocket launcher. The FALCO guidance section employs a semi-active laser system to convert standard 2.75-inch unguided rockets into precision laser-guided munitions, thereby reducing collateral damage and increasing standoff range for enhanced crew survivability.

Procurement and integration activities for APKWS are coordinated across multiple agencies, including the Department of the Navy PMA-242 at Patuxent River Naval Air Station, the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC/EBH), and the U.S. Army Missile Command's Tactical Air to Ground Munitions (TAGM) office at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama. These agencies ensure compatibility of the FALCO guidance sections with existing inventories and facilitate acquisition through established DoD procurement channels. The program leverages joint service expertise to maximize interoperability and streamline logistics.

A key justification for this budget line is the urgent need to address emerging threats from unmanned aerial systems, which are increasingly used in both conventional and irregular warfare. The APKWS FALCO variant provides a rapid, flexible response capability for homeland defense missions, domestic emergency responses, and military support to civil authorities, as mandated by Section 1815 of the FY 2008 National Defense Authorization Act. The program also supports inventory management objectives, allowing for adjustments in procurement quantities based on operational requirements and available funding.

The APKWS program incorporates digital acquisition principles, investing in analytical tools, information management, data environments, and security infrastructure upgrades. These investments support the development and sustainment of APKWS capabilities and align with broader DoD and Department of the Air Force enterprise IT solutions. The program also addresses production risks such as diminishing manufacturing sources, material shortages, and obsolescence through targeted studies, bridge buys, and qualification activities.

Funding for APKWS may be used to procure inventoried items on an as-needed basis, addressing critical shortfalls and supporting emerging operational requirements. The program is structured to allow for variations in procurement to meet evolving inventory objectives, which are influenced by combatant commanders' operational plans and updated throughout the year. This flexible approach ensures that the Air Force maintains a responsive and capable precision-guided rocket inventory.