We have simply found out that a person of the most effective adaptations of an existing weapon in current memory morphing laser-guided air-to-ground rockets into counter-drone weapons can be accommodated on A-10 Warthog.
The version of the Advanced Precision Kill Weapons System II (APKWS II) takes 2.75 in.
(70mm) Hydra rockets and turns them into drone and cruise rocket busters.In the just recently launched budget plan ask for 2026, the Pentagon documents mentions that APKWSs featuring guidance areas with specialized Fixed-Wing Air-Launched Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems Ordnance (FALCO) software application installed are cleared for use on the F-16, F-15E, and the A-10.
The rockets use laser guidance and a distance fuze to take off near subsonic, low-maneuverability targets like drones and cruise missiles.Since then, APKWS II hasentered operational U.S.
servicein the air-to-air role, and has ended up being a standout in the Middle East, where F-16s whacked down Houthi droneswith it ata fraction of the cost of an air-to-air rocket, the most affordable of which costs nearly half a million dollars.
The anti-air APKWSscost less than a tenth of that.F15E fitted with APKWS -CentcomThe A-10 as a drone hunter is an interesting possibility.
The aircrafts loiter time, slow and low-flying abilities, and even itsunique air-to-air dogfighting agility, could can be found in as a genuine benefit for taking out long-range one-way attack drones, especially the most widespread propeller-driven type.
Where the A-10 would be less efficient is in quickly securing faster-flying drones and cruise missiles.
This is due to its lower speed, with less capability to run-down several targets in a short time period during incoming saturation raids.Still, AH-64 Apaches have actually become vital counter-drone weapons, offering screening for lower-performance, long-range one-way attack munitions, especially in Israel.
The U.S.
Army is alsoexpanding its usage of the Apache in this function, and helicopters, consisting of in Ukraine, are playing a bigger role in counter-drone defense, in basic.
The A-10 has far exceptional speed abilities over helicopters, so it does sit inside something of a sweet spot, performance-wise, for handling lower-end, long-range drones.The A-10 also lacks a radar, which would make it harder for it to individually find an incoming aerial target at distance, lock its targeting pod onto it, and effectively engage it.
This could possibly be gotten rid of with a podded radar system, at least to a degree.
Leveraging datalinked target tracks from off-board platforms might likewise considerably offset this deficiency.On the other hand, the A-10 can also carrya lotof rockets, and I suggest alot.
Bonus publication depth would be advantageous throughout battle air patrols that need to challenge a sustained drone attack.
Above all else, the A-10 coupled with FALCO APKWSs would be most reliable at defending a particular setup or restricted geographical areas, such as an island outpost or forward staging area, against long-range one-way attack drones and even some cruise missiles.The exact same weapons can likewise be used versus surface targets, specifically long-range unmanned surface vessels.
These are roles the U.S.
military will have no shortage of as it prepares for a battle in the Pacific.The counter-air APKWS portfolio is set to grow significantly, with BAE Systemsworking on a candidate set for the rocketsthat includes a pseudo fire-and-forget ability.
To put it simply, an aircraft does not need to preserve a lock on the target and continuously lase it in order for the rocket to kill it.
The brand-new applicant would look where the laser area is pointed, then lock on and fly autonomously to its target no further laser designation needed.This will attend to far more versatile employment of these weapons, with more targets being able to be dealt with in an offered period.
Now, 2 airplane work together best to perform air-to-air APKWS engagements, one lasing and firing.
This must be more easily managed by one aircraft with the new upgraded applicant packages, as well.A mock-up of the dual-mode APKWS II with the additional infrared candidate on display at the Sea Air Space 2025 conference previously this year.
(Jamie Hunter)At the exact same time, when it pertains to the A-10, this is mostly moot because the USAF has actually issued its last call to choose what stays of the Warthog fleet.
According to its newest budget plan demand, the Warthogs bacon will be friedby the end of the 2026 Fiscal Year.
We are talking about simply 15 months left of the renowned attack jet gracing the skies, before they are all sent out to bake in the Arizona desert.
Before this spending plan, the A-10 fleet was planned to befully retired by the end of 2028.
On the other hand, the jets relatively ready-to-go efficient counter-drone ability could in fact make it more attractive for transfer to Ukraine, something that has been raised in the past.
This may be even more essential than its ground attack capability, or even the reality that it is a sturdy jet-powered airplane that can lug around and launch advanced NATO munitions.Currently, Ukraines fighter force, as well as helicopters andeven dated Yak-52 trainers, are tasked with drone hunting.
Enhancing this force with A-10s and freeing upthe countrys F-16sandMirage 2000s, in particular, for advanced work might be appealing to the war-weary nation.
Though there has actually long been discuss Ukraine getting A-10s, lots of have actually questioned their efficacy in the dispute.
Working inthe Shahed-busting function definitely blunts a few of those criticisms.
Obviously, that is if the war continues on enough time to see anything like this concerned fruition.Jordan has beenraised as another prospective takerfor A-10s after their retirement from U.S.
service.
Starting in 2015, the Jordanian militaries have actually found themselves contending withIranian drones, along with missiles, flying overheadon their method totargets in Israel on several events, andhave taken actiontoshoot them down.
Paired with FALCO APKWSs, Warthogs could likewise reinforce Jordans counter-drone arsenal.Its a bit paradoxical that just as one of the worlds most iconic ground attack aircraft to ever fly is about to end its service, its air-to-air ability against drones might be one of the most significant missed out on opportunities caused by its retirement.Top Photo: Concept art of an A-10 firing an APKWS.
The laser-guided rockets are currently a primary weapon for the Warthog, although for air-to-ground applications.(USAF)Source: The War Zone