United States approves $364 million precision weapon sale to Italy

The United States Department of State has approved a potential foreign military sale to Italy for the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System-II (APKWS II). The estimated value of the sale is approximately $364 million.

The request from the Italian government includes 5,031 single-variant guidance sections (model 59B/B) for the air-to-air precision weapon system. The package also encompasses launchers, high-explosive warheads, rocket motors, proximity fuses, training warheads, and various support equipment, including technical documentation and logistics services.

BAE Systems is designated as the primary contractor. These precision weapons are intended to enhance the counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS) capabilities of the Italian Armed Forces. Specifically, the system is slated for use by the Italian Air Force with Eurofighter Typhoon fighters and by the Italian Army's Light Aviation units utilizing AW-249 Fennec combat helicopters. The APKWS II utilizes a semi-active laser guidance system to convert 70 mm Hydra unguided rockets into low-cost precision weapons capable of neutralizing drones and other aerial threats.