The proliferation of drones of various types and complexities on the battlefield is among the primary threats that military forces must face and counter. The potential use of these systems by both regular and irregular forces represents a low-cost option available in greater numbers than traditional weaponry. This situation has also prompted a necessary response, such as that of the United States Air Force (USAF), which is evaluating and integrating new air-to-air configurations for several of its combat aircraft. The most recent development was announced by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), which confirmed that F-15E Strike Eagle fighter-bombers deployed in the Middle East are being equipped with a significant number of AGR-20 APKWS II (Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II) laser-guided rockets.
Yesterday, through an official post on the social media platform X, CENTCOM released the first official image of an F-15E Strike Eagle equipped with a new air-to-air configuration, designed to more effectively and efficiently counter the growing threat posed by drones deployed by irregular forces in the Middle East.
This decision follows previous developments worth noting. First, it was confirmed that USAF fighters also deployed in the Middle East are being equipped with APKWS II laser-guided rocket launchers. In fact, in mid-March, CENTCOM reported the first shoot-down of a Houthi drone using an AGR-20 FALCO laser-guided rocket.
Secondly, in recent weeks, open-source intelligence (OSINT) and viral images revealed that F-15Es were being fitted with the aforementioned guided rockets and undergoing tests while operating out of Eglin Air Force Base.
The release of the recent image, published on May 30, could suggest that tests conducted on U.S. soil have led to initial combat trials, or that this new configuration is already being used in real operations by F-15Es in the Middle East.
As for the specific details, the aircraft —quickly identified as one of the USAF’s F-15Es from the 389th Fighter Squadron, currently deployed at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan— is equipped with four LAU-131A and LAU-131A/A rocket launchers, carrying a total of 38 AGR-20 APKWS II (Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II) laser-guided rockets, with capacities of six and seven rockets per launcher, respectively.
Additionally, and presumably to counter more complex targets and serious threats, the configuration is complemented by what appear to be four short-range AIM-9X air-to-air missiles and four medium/long-range AIM-120C/D missiles.
As previously reported with the shoot-down of the Houthi drone by an F-16, the use of guided rockets such as the APKWS II represents a much more cost-effective option compared to missiles. These rockets can be used against drone swarms, while more capable threats—such as sophisticated unmanned aircraft, cruise missiles, or ballistic missiles—require the use of the aforementioned Sidewinder and AMRAAM air-to-air missiles.
However, as was stated in March: “…the use of laser-assisted guided rockets should not be seen as a definitive solution or a ‘silver bullet,’ as their use comes with limitations. They are best suited for low-performance, non-maneuverable threats, such as unsophisticated drones and subsonic cruise missiles. In other words, the APKWS II is not designed for dogfight-style air-to-air combat.”
Finally, the adoption of this configuration on a growing number of platforms specifically to counter low-performance drones highlights the increasing concern that U.S. military forces are placing on this issue. The recent deployments in the Red Sea against Houthi rebel forces—which are employing large numbers of UAVs in asymmetric attacks—demonstrate the need not only for effective neutralization but also for economic efficiency.
To conclude and further illustrate this point: a guided rocket equipped with the APKWS II kit costs around $15,000, compared to air-to-air missiles like the AIM-9 and AIM-120, which cost approximately $450,000 and $1,000,000, respectively—far above the cost of most drones being targeted.
