Swedish defense firm Saab is exploring the integration of the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) onto its Gripen fighter jets, a move driven by the increasing need for cost-effective countermeasures against unmanned aerial systems (UAS), commonly known as drones. The company revealed its interest at the Singapore Airshow this week, according to company executives.
Jussi Halmetoja, operations advisor for Saab’s air domain, stated that the APKWS is of interest “because other platforms are now integrating 70mm guided rockets. So we are, of course, eyeing that capability now.” The system, a guided version of the Hydra 70mm rocket, would be implemented on both the older Gripen C and the newer Gripen E models.
The impetus for considering cheaper weaponry stems from observations made during the Ukraine war, where traditional, expensive air-to-air missiles are being used to intercept significantly less costly drones. Mikael Franzén, chief marketing officer for the Gripen program, highlighted this disparity, stating, “Right now we are using very expensive weapons to kill very cheap drones.”
Saab is also investigating ways to maximize the number of munitions that can be carried on each hardpoint of the Gripen. Franzén explained that increasing the payload capacity – potentially to four or ten munitions per hardpoint – would significantly enhance the aircraft’s ability to engage multiple drone targets. The APKWS is typically deployed using multi-launch pods.
This development comes as Ukraine is poised to potentially acquire up to 150 Gripen E fighters, following a letter of intent signed with Sweden. The Gripen is considered well-suited for the Ukrainian conflict due to its ability to operate from dispersed, less-prepared airfields and its suitability for operations in challenging environments like the Arctic. Ukraine is currently utilizing a small fleet of F-16 Fighting Falcons from similar dispersed locations to improve survivability.
Saab emphasizes that the Gripen offers a faster turnaround time compared to other fighter aircraft, capable of being readied for a new mission within approximately ten minutes of landing at a dispersed airfield. This rapid response capability is a key advantage in a dynamic combat environment.
The APKWS itself is already seeing use in Ukraine, notably as part of the VAMPIRE counter-UAS systems. These systems mount a four-barrel launcher for the guided Hydra rockets on a pickup truck, providing a mobile and relatively inexpensive defense against drones.
The cost differential between the APKWS and more conventional air-to-air missiles is substantial. An APKWS round is estimated to cost between $20,000 and $35,000, while missiles like the AIM-9 Sidewinder ($450,000) and the AIM-120 AMRAAM ($1 million) are significantly more expensive. This cost disparity has become a growing concern as Russia increases its production and deployment of loitering munitions.
The US military has also recently begun utilizing the APKWS in the Middle East, with the weapons system, deployed on F-16 and F-15 aircraft, accounting for roughly 40% of drone kills scored by US forces during last year’s Operation Rough Rider. This demonstrates a broader trend among Western militaries towards adopting lower-cost solutions for countering the increasing drone threat.
The move by Saab reflects a wider recognition within the defense industry that traditional approaches to air combat, relying on expensive, high-tech weaponry, are becoming less effective in the face of the proliferation of low-cost drone technology. The integration of systems like the APKWS represents an attempt to adapt to this changing landscape and maintain a credible defense against evolving threats.
