Saab is assessing the integration of the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) onto the JAS 39 Gripen fighter as a cost-effective solution for counter-drone operations.
Driven by operational lessons from the war in Ukraine—where economical defensive capabilities have proven more effective than expensive missiles against low-cost but highly lethal drones—Saab executives told Business Insider at the Singapore Airshow that the company is actively exploring this capability.
The integration effort focuses on adapting the APKWS, which employs Hydra 70mm laser-guided rockets typically deployed via multi-launch pods, for both the Gripen C and the newer Gripen E variants. Saab is also developing a multi-munition carriage system that would allow multiple weapons to be mounted on a single hardpoint, enabling a single aircraft to engage a larger number of drones per sortie.
This initiative coincides with renewed discussions between Swedish and Ukrainian defense officials regarding a potential transfer of Gripen fighter aircraft. Sweden initially offered Gripen jets and pilot training in 2023, but the transfer was paused in 2024 to prioritize the delivery of F-16 fighters to Ukraine.
Economical Counter-Drone Strategy
Saab’s approach reflects a broader shift toward arming modern fighter aircraft with low-cost precision munitions for counter-drone missions. In 2024, the US Air Force modified the F-15E Strike Eagle to carry the AGR-20F APKWS II, enabling it to deploy up to 42 precision rockets to counter drone swarms.
Similarly, BAE Systems is evaluating the integration of APKWS II laser-guided rockets on the Eurofighter Typhoon, complementing its advanced air-to-air missile suite.
Traditional air-to-air missiles such as the AIM-9 Sidewinder and AIM-120 AMRAAM typically cost between $500,000 and $1 million per round. In contrast, an APKWS munition costs approximately $20,000 to $35,000, making it a far more economical option against kamikaze drones like the Shahed, which are estimated to cost between $20,000 and $50,000 per unit.
