The Cheap Guided Rockets U.S. Forces Use Against Iranian Drones
The New York Times • • world
Key Points:
- The ongoing conflict in Iran has heavily tested U.S. and allied air defense systems, leading to the extensive use of costly Patriot missiles against inexpensive Iranian Shahed drones and ballistic missiles.
- To address the high cost of intercepting cheap drones with expensive missiles, the Pentagon developed a more affordable alternative: the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System, a small laser-guided rocket that can be launched from air or ground platforms.
- This weapon, originally designed in the 2000s for targeting enemy combatants and unarmored vehicles, is based on the "Mighty Mouse" rocket used during the Korean War, known for its small size and simple design.
- The U.S. State Department recently approved an $8.6 billion arms sale of this system to Israel, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, bypassing congressional approval to enhance regional defense capabilities.
