British defence firm BAE Systems announced in February 2026 the successful integration of an infrared seeker into the APKWS guidance kit, effectively transforming Hydra 70 rockets into dual-guidance (laser/infrared) precision munitions.
The upgrade significantly enhances the rocket’s ability to lock on to and track targets in degraded visual environments or under electronic interference. By combining laser designation with infrared homing, the system improves engagement reliability against moving or partially obscured threats.
Positioned as a lower-cost alternative to the AGM-114 Hellfire while offering comparable accuracy, the enhanced APKWS configuration is expected to attract strong global demand. The development is particularly relevant for platforms such as the AH-64 Apache and the F-16 Fighting Falcon, which widely employ precision-guided rockets in close air support and counter-insurgency roles.
The move reflects a broader trend towards modularity and the modernisation of existing stockpiles, redefining the concept of cost-effective precision munitions with a solution that is nearly unmatched within its class.
