The Royal Air Force has started deploying a low-cost laser-guided counter-drone weapon on its Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets in the Middle East. The force aims to strengthen defenses against growing unmanned aerial threats in the region.

The weapon, known as the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS), converts unguided 70 mm rockets into precision-guided munitions capable of targeting drones and lightly armored ground vehicles with reduced collateral damage.

Typhoon fighter jets from No. 9 Squadron at RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland have been fitted with the new anti-drone weapon system. UK officials said the aircraft will be used for defensive operations in the Middle East amid ongoing regional tensions.

Rapid testing and deployment

According to the UK government, the APKWS capability moved from testing to operational deployment in less than two months through an accelerated procurement and evaluation process.

The APKWS system works by adding a guidance section between the rocket’s motor and warhead. Small steering fins deploy after launch, while laser sensors on the fins track a laser-marked target and guide the rocket toward it.

The Ministry of Defence conducted a live-fire demonstration with BAE Systems and QuinetiQ against a ground target in March 2026 before carrying out an air-to-air trial the following month.

The tests included engagements against hostile drone targets.

“This has been a superb effort working with industry to test and deploy this system in a matter of months, which will help the RAF shoot down many more drones at a much lower cost,” UK Defence Readiness and Industry Minister Luke Pollard said in a statement.

“Our Typhoon fleet is the backbone of UK and NATO air defence, with the RAF protecting Europe’s Eastern flank from Russian drone incursions and defending our partners across the Middle East,” he added.

The weapon is already used on some US military aircraft and is estimated to cost between $30,000 and $40,000 per round. It is far cheaper than traditional air-to-air missiles and close to the reported cost of Iranian-made Shahed drones, which are among the likely targets for the system.

Growing focus on drone defense

The deployment comes amid rising concerns over the use of drones in conflicts across the Middle East and Ukraine. Military planners have been searching for affordable ways to intercept unmanned systems that can be launched in large numbers.

Late last year, the Royal Navy approved the use of laser-guided Martlet missiles on its Wildcat helicopters. Some of these helicopters were later deployed to RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus to help defend against Iranian drone threats.

The Royal Air Force also uses the Rapid Sentry short-range air defense system, which is equipped with Martlet missiles for counter-drone operations.

The deployment of APKWS shows that Western militaries are looking for cheaper ways to defend against growing drone threats. Many countries are now developing layered air defense systems that can stop large numbers of low-cost drones more efficiently.