Contracts · Munitions
BAE signs framework for up to 25,000 APKWS guidance sections a year
A Department of War framework outlines procurement of up to 25,000 guidance sections annually for up to seven years, pending congressional authorization and appropriations.
The Department of War announced a framework agreement with BAE Systems on Oct. 19 to expand production of the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS). It outlines procurement of up to 25,000 guidance sections a year for up to seven years, pending congressional authorization and appropriations.1
BAE says it will increase production while negotiating a multi-year contract
Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS)
for up to seven years, pending congressional authorization and appropriations
This industrial expansion will be unlocked as partner nations formalize orders via Foreign Military Sales Letters of Request.
Sources: Department of War; BAE Systems via PR Newswire. As of Oct. 19, 2026.
BAE says it will increase production while negotiating a multi-year contract within the framework.2 Neither release gives a dollar value, obligated amount, current output or a date for reaching 25,000 or 35,000 units a year.1–2
The department also describes a pathway to increase output to as many as 35,000 units annually for international allies. It says that expansion will be unlocked as partner nations formalize orders through Foreign Military Sales Letters of Request.1 BAE describes the agreement as increasing production capacity to as many as 35,000 kits a year.2
The laser-guidance kits turn unguided 2.75-inch rockets into precision-guided munitions. BAE says they are used against a range of threats, including in the counter-unmanned aircraft systems mission. The company produces the kits in Hudson, New Hampshire, and Austin, Texas.2
The department says the framework provides the sustained demand signal BAE needs to buy long-lead items and expand its skilled workforce.1 BAE says it has already invested in manufacturing capacity, materials and expertise, though the release gives no amount.2
Sources (2)
- Department of War: Framework agreement with BAE Systems to surge counter-drone production www.war.gov
- BAE Systems: long-term agreement to increase APKWS production (PR Newswire) www.prnewswire.com
