Middle East

US Approves $100M Sale of Advanced Precision Kill Weapon Systems to Saudi Arabia

BY SOFREP News Team

The US approves a $100M sale of advanced APKWS II missile systems to Saudi Arabia, boosting precision targeting against regional threats.

Image rendering of an APKWS II missile. (BAE Systems)

The US State Department has given the green light for the sale of up to 2,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon Systems (APKWS) II to Saudi Arabia, valued at $100 million. This significant foreign military sale, which is the first of its kind, aims to enhance Saudi Arabia’s ability to defend itself against a variety of threats while minimizing collateral damage.

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The proposed sale includes not only the APKWS units but also associated equipment, training, and support, marking a key step in strengthening US-Saudi defense relations.

APKWS: A Cutting-Edge, Cost-Effective Weapon System

The APKWS II is a laser-guided rocket system that transforms standard rockets into precision-guided munitions, significantly improving their accuracy and effectiveness. This system is highly versatile, capable of targeting both airborne and surface threats.

With a unit cost of approximately $22,000, it is a cost-effective solution for targeting low-cost aerial threats, such as small armed drones, which have become a common weapon used by groups like Yemen’s Houthi rebels.

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Developed by BAE Systems, the APKWS II uses the Mk66 Mod 4 rocket motor and is equipped with a 10-pound (4.5-kilogram) high-explosive warhead.

Its ability to hit targets with exceptional accuracy and speed—up to 1,000 meters per second—makes it highly effective for combat situations where minimizing collateral damage is essential.

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The APKWS II is particularly useful for countering low-flying, small threats like the drones used in asymmetric warfare, making it an ideal asset for countries like Saudi Arabia dealing with regional security challenges.


The system’s precision capabilities make it particularly useful in environments where limiting unintended damage is critical. This is especially important in the ongoing conflict in Yemen, where Saudi Arabia has been involved in military operations against Houthi forces, which use small armed drones in their tactics.

The APKWS II allows Saudi forces to engage these small drones with greater efficiency while minimizing risks to civilian infrastructure and bystanders.

Saudi Arabia’s Strategic Needs and the Middle Eastern Context

Saudi Arabia’s security needs have become increasingly complex as it faces evolving threats in the Middle East.

The region has seen escalating conflicts, including the ongoing war in Yemen, where the Houthi rebels, supported by Iran, have frequently used drones and missiles against Saudi targets. The APKWS II, with its precise targeting capabilities, will significantly bolster Saudi Arabia’s air defense by allowing it to target and neutralize these small, low-cost threats more effectively.

The sale of the APKWS II supports US foreign policy goals by enhancing the security of a key ally in the Gulf region. Saudi Arabia plays a vital role in maintaining political stability and economic progress in the Middle East, making its defense capability a priority for US strategic interests.

The US State Department has emphasized that this sale will help Saudi Arabia address both current and future security challenges, ultimately promoting greater regional stability.

In addition to countering drone threats, the APKWS II enhances Saudi Arabia’s overall defense capabilities, enabling it to engage in more precise operations without risking unnecessary collateral damage. This is particularly important in the context of the Saudi-led coalition’s operations in Yemen, where the conflict has led to significant civilian casualties and humanitarian concerns.

In Summary

The US State Department’s approval of the $100 million sale of 2,000 APKWS II units to Saudi Arabia represents a significant step in strengthening the Kingdom’s defense capabilities while supporting US foreign policy objectives in the Middle East. The APKWS II system is a cost-effective and highly accurate weapon that will help Saudi Arabia address low-cost aerial threats like drones, which have become a major challenge in the region.

With its precision capabilities and low collateral damage, the APKWS II will significantly improve Saudi Arabia’s ability to defend itself against a variety of threats, making it a key asset in maintaining stability in the Gulf region. As the security situation in the Middle East remains complex, this advanced weapon system will be a valuable tool in enhancing the Kingdom’s military readiness and ensuring a more secure future for the region.

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