Fourth-Gen Jet Gains Affordable Counter-Drone Capability
BAE Systems has successfully tested the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) on a Eurofighter Typhoon fighter, potentially giving the fourth-gen jet an affordable counter-drone capability. The trial, conducted at the company’s Warton, England, flight test development center, involved a UK Royal Air Force (RAF) Eurofighter test and evaluation aircraft striking a ground-based target. The test is part of a range of capability enhancements planned for Typhoon to increase its potency in current and future combat air operations. This development comes amid the growing threat of low-cost drones, as seen in the US-Israeli led conflict against Iran. According to Breaking Defense, the initial test was internally funded, with next steps including air-to-air testing.