A-10 Warthog Already Has The Capability To Use Laser-Guided Rockets To Shoot-Down Drones

We learned that one of the most successful adaptations of an existing weapon in the last moment can be placed on three usaf planes, not just two, not only two, transform the rockets against rockets against rockets to the ground. First, F-16, Advanced Sensitivity Kill Weapon System II (APKWS II) This takes Hydra Rockets 2.75 inches (70mm) and transforms them into drone and cruise missiles, which has recently followed the F-15e Strike Eagle. We learned now A-10 Warthog He also received the ability to use these weapons in the role of air-havaya, but the remaining service of the type is now measured in months, not for a few years.

In the recent 2026 budget requests, the Pentagon documents indicate that APKWSS, which contains guidance sections with an installed specially winged air systems Ordnance (Falco) software, is cleaned for use in F-16, F-15E and A-10. Subsonic, such as rockets, drone and cruise missiles, use laser guidance and proximity to explode near low maneuverability targets. Twz dead The first report on the test This configuration of APKWs in 2019. APKWSS was first used operationally as anti -air weapons against the air against the air. Ukraine takes the vampire system HE It was proved to be extremely successful.

Since then, APKWS II has entered the operational US service as the air-havaya and stands out with the buying of the F-16s Houthi drones at the price of an air-havaya missile costing the cheapest of about half a million dollars. Anti -air APKWSS is less costly than one tenth. In May, we learned that the F-15E, the most famous air drone hunter of USAF, can also use it. Rockets also expand the air-air magazine capacity of the aircraft they are mounted (more than six times the number of potential participation in the case of F-15E).

As a drone hunter, A-10 is an interesting possibility. Loiter time of the aircraft, slow and low flying capabilities and even Dog Fighting agility from unique air to airThe long -range one -way attack aircraft may come as a real benefit, especially to get the most common propeller -guided type. In places where A-10 will be less effective, it is to get faster flying drones and cruise missiles. The reason for this is due to lower speed, and more than one target is less ‘exhaustion’ during the raids. Nevertheless, AH-64 APACHES has become critical counter-opposite weapons that provide scanning for lower performance, long-range one-way attack ammunition Especially in Israel. The US army is expanding its use of Apache in this role, and helicopters, including Ukraine, generally play a greater role in the opposite-immediately defense. The A-10 has very superior speed capabilities on helicopters, so it sits in a sweet point in terms of performance to deal with low-end, long-range drones.

The A-10 is also lacking a radar, which will make it difficult for an atmosphere to detect independently, lock the targeting capsule and successfully interact. This potentially can be exceeded with a capsule radar system to at least to some degree. Datalinked target parts benefit from external platforms may significantly balance this deficiency.

On the other hand, A-10 can also carry too much your rockets and a one I mean share. The extra magazine depth will be useful during the war air patrols that have to face a continuous drone attack. First of all, the A-10, which is matched with Falco APKWSS, will be the most effective in defense against long-range one-way attack drones and even some navigation missiles, such as a specific installation or an island police station or advanced staging area. The same weapons can also be used against surface targets, especially against long -range unmanned surface containers. These are roles that the US army will have no problems when preparing for a fight in the Pacific.

The opposite air is working on a seeker kit for rockets that add a fake ‘fire and approval’ ability to grow the APKWS portfolio dramatically. In other words, a plane does not have to maintain a lock to the target and constantly laase to kill the rocket. The new seeker will see where the laser point is pointed out, then locked and flies autonomously for its target – no more laser definition. This will provide much more flexible employment of these weapons and more targets can be handled in a certain period. Currently, two aircraft works in the best way to carry out APKWS interactions from air to air, a laser and ignition. This should be more easily handled by an aircraft with newly raised seeker kits.

At the same time, when it comes to the A-10, this is largely controversial because USAF released its final call to release the remnants of the Warthog fleet. According to the latest budget request, Warthog’s Bacon will be fried At the end of the 2026 financial year. Therefore, we are talking about the iconic attack jet that decorated the sky before being sent to cook in the Arizona Desert. Before this budget, the A-10 fleet was planned to retire completely by the end of 2028.

On the other hand, the Jetin is apparently ready to work, the fertile-drone feature can make it more attractive to transfer to Ukraine, something that has been grown in the past. In fact, this can be even more important than the ground attack capacity or even the fact that it is a plane that works with a hard jet that can launch and even develop advanced NATO ammunition. Currently, Ukraine’s hunter force, as well as helicopters and even dated Yak-52 trainers are assigned to drone hunting. Increasing this force with the A-10s and releasing the country’s F-16s and Mirage 2000s, especially further studies can be attractive for the tired country. Although it has been spoken about the acquisition of Ukraine’s A-10s for a long time, many of them questioned their activities in the clashes. Working in the role of Shahred-Busting certainly dulls some of these criticisms. Of course, if the war lasts long enough to see such a thing, it gives fruit.

After retirement of the US service, Jordan was trained as another potential buyer for the A-10s. Jordan Armed Forces since last year Iranian drones and missiles, flying on the hill He went to the goals in Israel several times and took action to hit them. Warthogs, which is paired with Falco APKWSS, can also support Jordan’s opposite-done ammunition.

Just as the world’s most iconic land attack aircraft to fly to fly, the ability to air-air against drones can be one of the biggest missed opportunities of retirement.

Contact the author: tyler@twz.com