The United States (US) State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to United Kingdom (UK) of up to 768 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System-IIs at an estimated cost of $31.2 Million.
The Government of the United Kingdom earlier had requested to buy up to seven hundred sixty-eight (768) Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System-II (APKWS-II) All Up Round (AURs) (Single Variant), which has been given approval by the US now.
Also included is support equipment; spare and repair parts; publications and technical documentation; transportation; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistical support services; and other related elements of logistical and program support.
The proposed sale will improve the United Kingdom’s capability to meet current and future threats by ensuring its aviation forces’ interoperability with United States and other allied forces as well as its ability to contribute to missions of mutual interest.
By deploying the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System, UK would contribute to global readiness and enhance the capability for US forces operating globally alongside them.
The principal contractors will be BAE Systems, Nashua, New Hampshire.
There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.
Implementation of this proposed sale will require multiple trips by approximately five (5) US Government representatives and the assignment of approximately five (5) contractor representatives to the UK on an intermittent basis for a period of approximately five (5) years to support delivery and integration of items and to provide supply support management, inventory control, and equipment familiarization.
Brief Specifications of Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System
- Manufacturer: BAE Systems
- Unit Cost: $22000
- No. Built: 50,000
- Length: 73.8 in (1.87 m)
- Diameter: 2.75 in (70 mm)
- Wingspan: 9.55 in (24.3 cm)
- Weight/Mass: 32 lb (15 kg)
- Speed: 1,000 m/s (3,600 km/h; 2,200 mph; Mach 2.9) at max
- Range: 1,100–5,000 m (0.68–3.11 mi) (rotary wing); 2–11 km (1.2–6.8 mi) (fixed wing)
- Guidance: Semi-active laser homing
- CEP: <0.5 meters
- Motor: Existing Hydra 70 motors
- Warhead: Existing Hydra 70 warhead
