Jordan has signed a deal with the US Navy to purchase the advanced precision kill weapon system (APKWS), marking the tool’s first international sale.
The initial foreign military sale (FMS) will also include integrated logistics and engineering support on the Jordanian CN-235 gunship.
US Naval air systems command direct and time sensitive strike programme manager, captain Al Mousseau said: "International sales offer the opportunity to enhance combat capability for partner nations and are an effective means to support the US industrial base."
As part of the deal, the navy, together with industry partner BAE Systems, will deliver the APKWS in 2016.
Capable of modifying semi-active laser guided 2.75in rockets with a semi-active laser guidance unit, the APKWS transforms the rocket currently deployed by the Jordanian Armed Forces into economical, precision guided munitions.
Built by BAE in collaboration with the direct and time sensitive strike programme office at the US Naval air systems command, the weapon system incorporates a mid-body guidance unit (WGU-59/B) and offers the lowest collateral damage for precision engagement.
Currently deployed onboard the US Navy’s MH-60 seahawk and Marine Corps UH/AH-1 light attack helicopters, APKWS has been fired over 100 times, with a success rate of 94% since 2007.
Image: A US Marine Corps UH-1Y helicopter firing the APKWS in 2011. Photo: courtesy of Naval Air Systems Command.
