Typhoon fires APKWS in low-cost counter drone test

As the Royal Air Force racks up interceptions in the Middle East with its high-end missiles, BAE has announced a test of the APKWS on a Typhoon. If accepted into service, this would help the UK respond to some threats at a much lower cost.  

By Sam Cranny-Evans, editor of Calibre Defence, published on April 9, 2026. 

The RAF has supported a test firing of the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) on a Typhoon. The APKWS was fired against a ground-based target at a range in the UK, an April 8 press release from BAE states. 

Although the test was against a ground-based target, the company makes it clear that the test is intended to demonstrate affordable counter-drone solutions. “This activity, supported by [the] RAF, will provide valuable insights into how a low-cost precision weapon could be integrated in the aircraft, particularly counter UAS weapons,” the release states. It adds that the ground engagements set the foundation for air-to-air engagements. 

The tests are part of a range of capability enhancements planned for the Typhoon. At least part of the fleet will be upgraded with the new ECRS Mk 2 radar, improving the aircraft’s sensing capabilities. There is also the StormShroud integration, which will provide an additional form of electronic attack and suppression.  

• RAF inducts StormShroud to jam enemy radars  
• BAE finally on contract for Typhoon ECRS Mk 2 radar upgrade  
• BAE delivers 100,000th APKWS as economical counter-drone solutions surge  

StormShroud and ECRS Mk 2 will support the Typhoon’s high-end war fighting capabilities. The APKWS, however, will enable the UK to respond more readily and cheaply to lower-end threats.  

BAE Systems in the US has sold over 100,000 APKWS kits to users around the world. Sales are understood to have increased as the need for cost-effective air defence solutions grew.  

Calibre comment: The role of fast air in air defence  

Fixed wing aircraft can play important roles in air defence. Their speed and weapons loadout allow them to intercept waves of missiles and drones in a single sortie. They can also catch up to targets in a way that can be difficult for other cheaper effectors like air defence cannons to match. Perhaps more importantly, is the role they can play in targeting and destroying enemy aircraft, as well as missile launchers. This has been demonstrated during Operation Epic Fury, where US and Israeli strikes have reduced the number of launchers available to Iran. This type of operation reduces the number of missiles and intensity of strikes that defensive systems must counter. As a result, it is a vital capability to harness and nurture. Even the world’s best air defence systems struggle to keep pace with long duration, massed air attacks.  

The lead image shows a Typhoon with the APKWS integrated. Credit: BAE Systems.