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08. September 2025
Us Air Force Unleashes Laser Rocket Capability Against Enemy Drones
The United States Air Force has made a significant breakthrough in its counter-drone capabilities with the recent test firing of the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II (APKWS II) rocket from the F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft. This innovative use of this laser-guided rocket, specifically designed for air-to-air operations, marks a new era in the warfighter’s ability to detect and neutralize enemy drones.
The Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS) website released images of the F-15E Strike Eagle firing the AGR-20F variant of the APKWS II rocket on May 22, 2025. This marked a significant milestone in the Air Force’s rapid integration of this capability into its arsenal, demonstrating its commitment to providing personnel with cutting-edge technology.
The F-15E Strike Eagle, a multi-role fighter aircraft, has been upgraded with loads of up to 42 APKWS II rockets, in addition to traditional air-to-air missiles. This transformation makes the Strike Eagle an extremely capable counter-drone and cruise missile ‘weapons truck,’ capable of engaging multiple targets simultaneously.
To develop this capability, the 96th Test Wing (TW) collaborated with the 53rd Wing on a comprehensive testing program aimed at rapidly integrating the AGR-20F variant into the F-15E’s arsenal. The goal was to provide the warfighter with an effective counter-drone solution as quickly as possible.
The APKWS II rocket is composed of three key components: a laser guidance section, a standard 70mm rocket motor, and various warhead options. This modular design enables users to adapt the system to different mission requirements, making it an attractive option for air-to-air operations.
In this specific configuration, known as the Fixed Wing, Air Launched, Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems Ordnance (FALCO) setup, the AGR-20F variant is specifically designed for air-to-air engagements. This optimized variant features improved targeting and tracking capabilities, ensuring accurate engagements against enemy drones and aircraft.
The rapid development and integration of this capability are a testament to the Air Force’s commitment to innovation and its warfighters’ needs. The F-15E Strike Eagle has long been an iconic symbol of American air power, and with the addition of the AGR-20F variant, it has become even more formidable.
Drones have become increasingly prevalent in modern conflicts, posing a major threat to national security. By providing its personnel with effective counter-drone solutions, the Air Force can significantly improve its ability to detect and neutralize these threats.
The integration of the AGR-20F variant into the F-15E’s arsenal is part of a larger effort by the United States military to address emerging threats in the realm of unmanned systems. The rapid development and deployment of this capability demonstrate the Air Force’s commitment to staying ahead of the curve and providing its personnel with cutting-edge technology.
As the warfighter continues to evolve and adapt to new threats, it is essential that the military maintains its focus on investing in innovative technologies like the AGR-20F variant. The integration of advanced capabilities like this into its arsenal underscores the importance of investing in cutting-edge technology that meets the evolving needs of modern warfare.
The successful integration of the AGR-20F variant also highlights the critical role played by collaboration between the 96th TW and the 53rd Wing in the rapid development and deployment of this capability. This collaborative effort demonstrates the importance of inter-service coordination and cooperation in achieving military objectives.
To stay ahead of emerging threats, the Air Force must continue to invest in innovative technologies like the AGR-20F variant of the APKWS II rocket. By staying ahead of the curve and providing its personnel with cutting-edge solutions, the Air Force can ensure the continued effectiveness of its operations and maintain a strategic advantage over adversaries.
The integration of advanced counter-drone capabilities is becoming increasingly important as enemy forces seek to exploit vulnerabilities in air defenses. The recent test firing of the AGR-20F variant marks a significant milestone in this effort, demonstrating the Air Force’s commitment to developing effective counter-drone solutions.
In conclusion, the rapid development and integration of the AGR-20F variant of the APKWS II rocket from the F-15E Strike Eagle represents a critical step forward in addressing emerging threats. The Air Force’s commitment to innovation and its warfighters’ needs is evident in this capability, providing an effective solution for detecting and neutralizing enemy drones.
The integration of advanced counter-drone capabilities underscores the importance of investing in cutting-edge technology that meets the evolving needs of modern warfare. By staying ahead of the curve and providing its personnel with cutting-edge solutions, the Air Force can ensure the continued effectiveness of its operations and maintain a strategic advantage over adversaries.