APKWS: Ukraine's New Weapon Against Russian Aggression
Ukraine has been facing a relentless military threat from Russia since 2014, when Moscow annexed Crimea and supported separatist rebels in the eastern regions of Donetsk and Luhansk. Despite international sanctions and diplomatic pressure, Russia has not ceased its aggression and has amassed tens of thousands of troops near the border with Ukraine. In response, Ukraine has sought to strengthen its defense capabilities and receive military assistance from its allies, especially the United States and Germany. One of the most significant weapons that Ukraine has acquired recently is the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS), a laser-guided rocket that can hit targets with high accuracy and low collateral damage. This article will explain what APKWS is, how it works, why it is useful, how Ukraine got it, how it is using it, and what are the challenges and opportunities for Ukraine with this weapon.
What is APKWS?
APKWS is a design conversion of Hydra 70 unguided rockets with a laser guidance kit to turn them into precision-guided munitions (PGMs). APKWS is approximately one-third the cost and one-third the weight of the current inventory of laser-guided weapons, has a lower yield more suitable for avoiding collateral damage, and takes one quarter of the time for ordnance personnel to load and unload.
apkws ukraine
How does it work?
APKWS uses the Distributed Aperture Semi-Active Laser Seeker (DASALS) technology. This system allows a laser seeker to be located in the leading edge of each of the forward control canards, working in unison as if they were a single seeker. This configuration allows existing warheads from the Hydra 70 system to be used without the need for a laser seeker in the missile nose. The APKWS system is composed of the launch platform, rockets equipped with the WGU-59/B mid-body guidance unit, the lengthened 7-tube LAU-68 F/A rocket launcher, the SCS 7 aiming cue (not needed for attack helicopters), and Fastpack PA-140 and CNU-711/E storage kits for rockets and guidance kits, respectively, to ensure they are safe in the field.
Why is it useful?
APKWS is useful because it bridges the gap between the Hydra 70 and AGM-114 Hellfire systems and provides a cost-effective method of engaging lightly armored point targets. APKWS is also versatile and can be launched from various platforms, such as helicopters, fixed-wing aircrafts, or ground vehicles. APKWS can also engage multiple targets simultaneously or in rapid succession with a single laser designator. APKWS can hit moving or stationary targets with high precision and minimal collateral damage.
How did Ukraine get APKWS?
U.S. aid package
Ukraine received APKWS as part of an aid package announced by the U.S. in August 2022, following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in July 2022. The package included $60 million worth of lethal weapons and $125 million worth of non-lethal equipment. The lethal weapons included Javelin anti-tank missiles, Mark VI patrol boats, counter-artillery radars, secure communications gear, electronic warfare systems, sniper rifles, grenade launchers, mortars, and ammunition. The non-lethal equipment included medical supplies, night vision devices, bomb disposal equipment, radios, body armor, helmets, and binoculars. The Germany's donation
Ukraine also received APKWS as a donation from Germany in January 2023, following a promise made in August 2022. Germany handed over to Ukraine 20 70-mm rocket launchers for APKWS missiles based on pickups, as well as other military equipment, such as armored vehicles, trucks, drones, and anti-drone systems. The German donation was seen as a gesture of solidarity and support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of Russian aggression.
How is Ukraine using APKWS?
Against air targets
Ukraine has tested and used APKWS against various air targets, such as Russian reconnaissance drones and loitering munitions. In November 2022, Ukraine conducted a series of tests with APKWS, destroying five out of five targets, including an Orlan-10 drone and a Lancet loitering munition. In April 2023, Ukraine's 37th Marine Brigade fired APKWS from Humvees at Russian targets in Kherson Oblast, including a tower-mounted sensor. APKWS has proven to be highly effective and accurate in hitting air targets with minimal collateral damage.
apkws ukraine video
apkws ukraine combat
apkws ukraine vampire
apkws ukraine bayraktar
apkws ukraine hydra 70
apkws ukraine laser-guided
apkws ukraine precision
apkws ukraine missile
apkws ukraine cost
apkws ukraine range
apkws ukraine warhead
apkws ukraine delivery
apkws ukraine news
apkws ukraine wiki
apkws ukraine forges de zeebrugge
apkws ukraine dasals
apkws ukraine bae systems
apkws ukraine northrop grumman
apkws ukraine general dynamics
apkws ukraine wgu-59/b
apkws ukraine lau-68 f/a
apkws ukraine scs 7
apkws ukraine fastpack pa-140
apkws ukraine cnu-711/e
apkws ukraine puma
apkws ukraine defense express
apkws ukraine forbes
apkws ukraine eurasian times
apkws ukraine russia invasion
apkws ukraine nlos
apkws ukraine high-explosive
apkws ukraine flechette
apkws ukraine shaped charge
apkws ukraine fuel trucks
apkws ukraine anti-aircraft vehicles
apkws ukraine tanks
apkws ukraine kstar facility
apkws ukraine korea institute of fusion energy
apkws ukraine nuclear fusion reaction
apkws ukraine 100 million degrees celsius
apkws ukraine net energy gain
apkws ukraine holy grail experiment
apkws ukraine mini sun
apkws ukraine 15 million degrees kelvin
Against ground targets
Ukraine has also used APKWS against various ground targets, such as lightly armored vehicles, infantry fighting vehicles, pillboxes, and other fortifications. APKWS can hit moving or stationary targets with high precision and low yield, avoiding excessive damage to the surrounding environment. APKWS can also engage multiple targets simultaneously or in rapid succession with a single laser designator. Ukraine has three types of warheads for APKWS: high-explosive, flechette, and shaped-charge. Depending on the target and the situation, Ukraine can choose the most suitable warhead for its mission.
On different platforms
Ukraine has the ability to launch APKWS from different platforms, such as helicopters, fixed-wing aircrafts, or ground vehicles. Ukraine has received APKWS-armed Humvees from the United States and APKWS pickup trucks from Germany. Ukraine can also mount APKWS on its own helicopters, such as the Mi-24 or the Mi-8. Ukraine can also use its own or allied UAVs to designate targets for APKWS with laser pointers. This gives Ukraine flexibility and versatility in using APKWS for different scenarios and terrains.
What are the challenges and opportunities for Ukraine with APKWS?
Technical and logistical issues
One of the challenges for Ukraine with APKWS is to ensure that it has enough rockets, guidance kits, launchers, designators, and storage kits to sustain its operations. APKWS is relatively cheap compared to other precision-guided munitions, but it still requires funding and maintenance. Ukraine also needs to train its personnel to use APKWS effectively and safely. Another challenge is to coordinate the use of APKWS with other weapons systems and platforms, such as artillery, missiles, radars, drones, and electronic warfare systems.
Political and diplomatic implications
Another challenge for Ukraine with APKWS is to manage the political and diplomatic implications of using this weapon against Russia. Russia may perceive APKWS as a provocation or an escalation of the conflict, and may respond with more aggression or retaliation. Russia may also try to undermine or sabotage Ukraine's access to APKWS by pressuring its suppliers or allies. On the other hand, APKWS may also create opportunities for Ukraine to deter Russian aggression or to negotiate a peaceful resolution of the conflict. APKWS may also enhance Ukraine's credibility and reputation as a reliable partner and ally in the region and beyond.
Future prospects and cooperation
A final challenge and opportunity for Ukraine with APKWS is to explore the future prospects and cooperation possibilities with this weapon system. APKWS is a relatively new and evolving technology that may offer new capabilities and features in the future. For example, APKWS may be integrated with artificial intelligence or networked systems to improve its performance and efficiency. Ukraine may also seek to cooperate with other countries that use or produce APKWS, such as the United States, Germany, Poland, Turkey, or India. This may create opportunities for joint training, exercises, research, development, or procurement of APKWS.
Conclusion
In conclusion, APKWS is a valuable weapon system for Ukraine that can help it defend itself against Russian aggression and achieve its strategic objectives. APKWS is a laser-guided rocket that can hit targets with high accuracy and low collateral damage. It can be launched from various platforms, such as helicopters, fixed-wing aircrafts, or ground vehicles. It can also engage multiple targets simultaneously or in rapid succession with a single laser designator. Ukraine received APKWS from the United States and Germany as part of their military assistance and solidarity. Ukraine has used APKWS against various air and ground targets, such as drones, vehicles, and fortifications. However, Ukraine also faces challenges and opportunities with APKWS, such as technical and logistical issues, political and diplomatic implications, and future prospects and cooperation. APKWS is not a silver bullet that can solve all of Ukraine's problems, but it is a powerful tool that can enhance its security and sovereignty.
FAQs
What is the difference between APKWS and Hellfire missiles?
APKWS and Hellfire missiles are both precision-guided munitions that use laser guidance to hit their targets. However, APKWS is much cheaper, lighter, and smaller than Hellfire missiles. APKWS also has a lower yield and a smaller warhead than Hellfire missiles, which makes it more suitable for avoiding collateral damage. Hellfire missiles have a longer range and a larger warhead than APKWS, which makes them more effective against heavily armored or hardened targets.
How many APKWS rockets does Ukraine have?
The exact number of APKWS rockets that Ukraine has is not publicly known, but it is estimated to be in the hundreds or thousands. The United States provided Ukraine with 150 APKWS rockets in August 2022, and Germany donated 20 launchers with 140 rockets in January 2023. Ukraine may also have procured more APKWS rockets from other sources or allies.
How accurate is APKWS?
APKWS is very accurate and can hit targets within a few meters of the laser spot. According to the U.S. Navy, APKWS has achieved a circular error probable (CEP) of 0.6 meters in testing. CEP is a measure of the accuracy of a weapon system that indicates the radius of a circle within which half of the shots will fall.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of using APKWS?
The advantages of using APKWS are that it is cost-effective, versatile, precise, and low-collateral. It can be used to engage lightly armored point targets with high accuracy and minimal damage to the surrounding environment. It can also be launched from various platforms and engage multiple targets with a single laser designator. The disadvantages of using APKWS are that it has a limited range, payload, and penetration. It cannot be used to engage heavily armored or hardened targets or targets beyond the line of sight. It also requires a reliable laser designator and a clear line of sight to the target.
What are the potential applications and implications of APKWS for other countries?
The potential applications and implications of APKWS for other countries are manifold. APKWS can be used by other countries that face similar threats or challenges as Ukraine, such as Georgia, Moldova, or Taiwan. APKWS can also be used by other countries that seek to enhance their defense capabilities or deterrence posture, such as Poland, Turkey, or India. APKWS can also be used by other countries that want to support their allies or partners in conflict zones or crisis situations, such as the United States, Germany, or France. However, APKWS can also pose risks or challenges for other countries that may perceive it as a threat or an escalation, such as Russia, China, or Iran. 44f88ac181
Comments