Saab is studying the integration of the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) onto its JAS 39 Gripen C and Gripen E fighters as an affordable counter-drone capability. Lessons from the war in Ukraine have underscored the cost imbalance between expensive air-to-air missiles and relatively inexpensive drones. APKWS, based on 70mm Hydra rockets fitted with laser guidance kits, costs significantly less than missiles like the AIM-120 AMRAAM. Saab is also evaluating multi-weapon carriage solutions to allow aircraft to carry larger quantities of precision rockets per sortie, increasing engagement capacity against drone swarms.
