U.S. State Department Approves Potential Sale of Up to 20,000 APKWS Anti-Drone/Air Defense Rockets to Saudi Arabia
The U.S. State Department has approved a potential foreign military sale to Saudi Arabia covering up to 20,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) air defense and counter-UAS rockets, with a total estimated value of up to $1.96 billion. Saudi Arabia requested two variants — 10,000 air-to-air and 10,000 air-to-ground guided rockets.
Highlights
- The U.S. State Department approved a potential sale of up to 20,000 APKWS rockets to Saudi Arabia, valued at up to $1.96 billion.
- Saudi Arabia requested 10,000 air-to-air APKWS-II rockets for counter-drone and airborne threat interception, and 10,000 air-to-ground variants.
- The APKWS system is developed by BAE Systems and is compatible across U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, Army, and Air Force platforms.
- The State Department stated the sale will not alter the basic military balance in the region and will improve Saudi interoperability with U.S. and NATO allies.
- The approval advances the deal to the next stage of the U.S. foreign military sales process; a formal contract has not yet been signed.
U.S. Approves Potential Sale of Up to 20,000 APKWS Anti-Drone Air Defense Rockets to Saudi Arabia
The U.S. State Department has formally approved a potential foreign military sale (FMS) to Saudi Arabia covering up to 20,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) air defense and counter-UAS (C-UAS) rockets, with a total estimated value of up to $1.96 billion if the transaction is completed.
System Overview
The APKWS system is developed by BAE Systems and occupies a capability gap between unguided rockets and larger anti-armor munitions. It is compatible across multiple U.S. military branches, including the Navy, Marine Corps, Army, and Air Force. The system is recognized for its precision strike capability, delivering maximum lethality against soft and lightly armored targets at a lower cost than comparable systems.
Saudi Arabia's Request Details
Saudi Arabia has requested two configurations:
- Air-to-Air variant: 10,000 APKWS-II rockets equipped with air-to-air guidance systems for intercepting airborne threats, including drones.
- Air-to-Ground variant: 10,000 rockets equipped with air-to-ground guidance systems for engaging surface targets.
U.S. State Department Statement
According to the official State Department notice:
"This proposed sale will enhance Saudi Arabia's ability to defend its homeland and deter current and future threats, while improving interoperability with U.S. forces and other regional and NATO allies. It will also enhance the air-to-air and air-to-ground self-defense capabilities of Saudi Arabia's existing combat aircraft. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has the capacity to absorb the equipment and services into its armed forces, and this sale will not alter the basic military balance in the region."
Next Steps
The approval has advanced to the next stage of the U.S. foreign military sales process. A formal contract and delivery can only proceed after all required procedural steps are completed.
Image credit: BAE Systems
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