The US Navy and industry partner BAE Systems have delivered 110 advanced precision kill weapons system (APKWS) units to Jordan, making the country the first international partner to receive the system.
The delivery follows a foreign military sale (FMS) request for the APKWS units from Jordan in 2014. The weapon system will be integrated on the Jordanian CASA CN-235 light gunship aircraft.
PMA-242 Direct and Time Sensitive Strike programme manager captain Al Mousseau said: "APKWS is a versatile, reliable and effective weapon that will enhance Jordan’s warfighting capability in the Middle East region.
"We worked closely with BAE to deliver a strong military capability to our international partner."
APKWS is a guided 2.75in rocket and features semi-active laser guidance technology to destroy lightly armoured targets in built-up and confined areas.
The system has been built by BAE in collaboration with the direct and time-sensitive strike programme office at the US Naval air systems command.
An upgraded version of the existing Hydra 70 unguided rocket system, the APKWS, consists of BAE-built mid-body guidance units (WGU-59/B), and fills the gap between the Hellfire missile and unguided rockets.
Capable of providing the lowest collateral damage for precision engagement, the system will enable the military to engage enemy targets with improved flexibility.
Currently deployed onboard the US Navy’s MH-60 Seahawk and Marine Corps UH/AH-1 light attack helicopters, APKWS has been fired more than 100 times, with a success rate of 94% since 2007.
