Ukraine’s F-16 fighter jets were spotted equipped with advanced targeting pods that allow the integration of laser-guided weapons—including the US-made APKWS II precision rocket system, which enables far more cost-effective engagements against drones. A photo of the upgraded jet was published by the Telegram channel Avia OFN on December 4.

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These pods are essential: without them, Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) II rockets cannot be employed. The system has emerged as one of the most affordable and effective ways to destroy drones, avoiding the high cost of expending traditional air-to-air missiles.

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[–] RamRabbit@lemmy.world 42 points 3 months ago (6 children)

These are a pretty big deal. Means you are able to take out drones in a very cost effective way, and don't have to get so close as to gun things, which could damage the aircraft when the target explodes.

There are potential countermeasures for this (evading when being chased), but this involves the Russian drones getting much more sophisticated (read: expensive) which is also a win.

[–] fullsquare@awful.systems 8 points 3 months ago

it also means more interceptions per sortie, because it's 7 missiles in pod per hardpoint, instead of one. this also makes it all cheaper, on top of cost of missiles (fewer sorties = less pilot's time, less strain and wear on plane)

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