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FALCO Program Equips F-16s With Laser-Guided APKWS to Take Down Drones and Missiles in a Single Sortie

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Lucile Brizard
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FALCO Program Equips F-16s With Laser-Guided APKWS to Take Down Drones and Missiles in a Single Sortie
APKWS is launched from an F-16. (Source: US DoD)

The APKWS missile, known for its effectiveness in targeting UAVs and cruise missiles, is being upgraded as part of the FALCO program (Fixed Wing, Air-Launched, Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems Ordnance) to enhance its capabilities.

Defense Express reported on April 9, that the APKWS missile, known for its affordability and effectiveness against UAVs like the Shahed drones and even cruise missiles, is undergoing an important upgrade as part of the FALCO program.

The FALCO program is associated with the United States, as it involves the development and enhancement of US military systems, particularly for countering unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The program is closely tied to US defense contractors, such as BAE Systems, and is part of broader efforts to strengthen air defense capabilities.

APKWS is being upgraded as part of the FALCO program. (Source: original BAE Systems image artificially enhanced)
APKWS is being upgraded as part of the FALCO program. (Source: original BAE Systems image artificially enhanced)

The first phase of this upgrade, which has already been tested in combat conditions, involves improvements to the software of the fire control and target tracking system. These upgrades enable the missile to operate in air-to-air mode, adjusting for atmospheric effects that come into play when firing from an aircraft.

The introduction of infrared guidance in the second phase of the FALCO program represents a significant advancement in missile technology according to Defense Express.

Traditionally, APKWS used semi-active laser guidance, which required continuous illumination of the target until destruction, limiting the ability to engage multiple targets in one mission.

The new infrared homing head will allow for “fire and forget” targeting, enabling the missile to lock onto and destroy more than one target at a time. This is particularly critical in scenarios involving mass attacks, such as a swarm of drones or cruise missiles.

The APKWS missile. (Source: Defense Express)
The APKWS missile. (Source: Defense Express)

By incorporating infrared capabilities, the upgraded APKWS missile will increase its operational effectiveness, reducing the time needed to engage targets while simultaneously enhancing its precision. The integration of these advanced technologies ensures that weapons systems remain responsive and efficient in rapidly evolving combat environments.

The potential of the FALCO-programmed APKWS missile to destroy up to 28 drones or cruise missiles in a single sortie is a testament to the capabilities of these advanced weapons.

Earlier, Ukrainian forces destroyed a Russian Tu-22M3 long-range strategic bomber, valued at around $100 million, using a drone, Ukraine’s Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi confirmed on April 9.

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