General Atomics announced that a US Air Force MQ-9 Reaper successfully used low-cost APKWS laser-guided rockets to shoot down aerial targets during a demonstration at the Nevada Test and Training Range. The test reflects growing Pentagon efforts to find cheaper ways to counter drones and one-way attack UAVs. GA writes:

“We recognize the value that a system like APKWS brings to the MQ-9 aircraft as a tool to counter one-way attack drones,” said GA-ASI President David R. Alexander. “APKWS can increase the number of weapons the MQ-9A is able to carry, as well being able to carry new lower cost weapons. More than anything, this integration effort underscores how government and industry can collaborate to rapidly test and make new capabilities available to warfighters.”

The APKWS system costs far less than traditional air-to-air missiles, making it a more economical option for defending against inexpensive drones like Iran’s Shahed systems. General Atomics said the integration also allows MQ-9s to carry more weapons and expand their counter-drone mission capabilities.

The development comes as the US military increases focus on affordable air defense solutions and expands investment in unmanned combat systems and collaborative combat aircraft programs.

MQ-9 Reaper Could Become Long-Range Cruise Missile Carrier

The MQ-9 Reaper could also become a more flexible long-range strike platform by carrying advanced cruise missiles such as AGM-158 JASSM, LRASM, and Joint Strike Missile.