The tests, held at the US Army Dugway Proving Ground in Utah, utilized a modified TRV-150 UAS—a variant of the Malloy T-150 adapted for US Marine Corps logistics. For the first time, this drone launched munitions equipped with BAE Systems’ proven APKWS® laser-guidance kit, achieving a perfect engagement record with zero misses against all targets. This event also marked the inaugural air-to-air engagement of an APKWS kit from a UAS, expanding its legacy from manned platforms like the F-16 and Apache helicopter.
This development transforms a logistics-focused drone into a multi-role offensive and defensive asset. By integrating the APKWS kit, which turns unguided rockets into precision munitions, the system offers a highly effective solution at a fraction of the cost of conventional weapons. It provides operators with the unique advantage of engaging threats at greater ranges than ground-based systems, using a platform easily deployable to the front lines.
Anthony Gregory, Business Development Director for BAE Systems’ FalconWorks®, stated the trials significantly advance the ability to deliver this new tactical option, highlighting the company’s commitment to addressing tomorrow’s challenges through innovation.
The successful trial was the result of a collaborative cross-Atlantic effort involving BAE Systems, SURVICE Engineering, and other industry partners. The team will now build on these results to further refine the system, including integrating more autonomous technology, to prepare it for battlefield deployment. This capability is poised to be a force-multiplying game-changer for modern militaries.
