In a groundbreaking test, BAE Systems has successfully launched a laser-guided munition from its TRV-150 multi-rotor UAV, marking the first air-to-air strike of its kind using an uncrewed drone.
Conducted at the U.S. Army’s Dugway Proving Ground, the TRV-150 fired rockets equipped with the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS), scoring direct hits on both aerial and ground targets with perfect accuracy.
This milestone marks a significant shift, as APKWS munitions were previously used only on manned platforms like the AH-64 Apache and F-16 fighter. The test now opens the door for wider deployment across both crewed and uncrewed systems.
About the TRV-150
Developed jointly by BAE Systems and SURVICE Engineering, the TRV-150 is adapted from the T-150 drone by Malloy Aeronautics.
Originally designed for logistics, it can carry up to 150 pounds of cargo and be rapidly converted into a combat-ready strike drone in under an hour.
APKWS Overview
At an estimated cost of $22,000 per round, the APKWS offers a low-cost, highly effective alternative to high-end air defense systems like the Patriot.
Its precision-guidance kit upgrades standard rockets to engage moving or stationary targets up to 6 km away with high accuracy and limited collateral damage.
Powered by the Mk66 Mod 4 rocket motor, it travels at speeds up to 1,000 meters per second.
