Defense & Military
GA-ASI and USAF Test APKWS on MQ-9A Reaper Drone
GA-ASI and the US Air Force conducted flight tests integrating APKWS laser-guided rockets on the MQ-9A Reaper to counter attack drones.
This article is based on an official press release from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI).
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) and the United States Air Force have successfully conducted flight tests integrating the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) onto the MQ-9A Reaper drones. According to an official press release from the company, the recent demonstration highlights a rapid technological adaptation aimed at countering the growing threat of one-way attack drones.
The tests, which took place at the Nevada Test and Training Range (NTTR), involved multiple shot profiles, including successful engagements against aerial targets. By equipping the MQ-9A with laser-guided rockets, the Air Force is exploring cost-effective methods to expand the drone’s magazine depth and operational versatility.
This integration effort brings together multiple Department of War stakeholders and industry partners, moving swiftly from the planning phase to live-fire test-flights. The successful demonstration underscores the military’s urgent need for persistent, armed surveillance platforms capable of defending against asymmetric aerial threats.
Expanding the Reaper’s Arsenal
Details of the Demonstration
During the recent flight tests at the Nevada Test and Training Range, MQ-9A crews flawlessly executed multiple shots using a specialized launcher and laser-guided rockets, as detailed in the GA-ASI press release. The demonstration proved the system’s ability to handle various shot profiles, specifically targeting airborne threats.
The MQ-9A Reaper, produced by GA-ASI, has long been a staple of U.S. Air Force intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) and strike missions. By integrating the APKWS, the military is leveraging the drone’s existing sensor suite and laser-designation architecture to guide rockets to their targets.
Increasing Payload Efficiency
The primary advantage of the APKWS integration is the ability to carry a larger number of munitions. Industry specifications from the U.S. Navy indicate that the MQ-9A Reaper has an external payload capacity of 3,000 pounds and a maximum endurance of up to 27 hours. Traditionally armed with heavier, more expensive munitions, the Reaper’s magazine depth has been limited by weight and cost constraints.
“We recognize the value that a system like APKWS brings to the MQ-9 aircraft as a tool to counter one-way attack drones,” said GA-ASI President David R. Alexander in the company’s press release. “APKWS can increase the number of weapons the MQ-9A is able to carry, as well being able to carry new lower cost weapons. More than anything, this integration effort underscores how government and industry can collaborate to rapidly test and make new capabilities available to warfighters.”
Countering the Drone Threat
AirPro News analysis
The proliferation of cheap, one-way attack drones, often referred to as loitering munitions, has fundamentally altered modern air defense. We have observed these systems being deployed extensively in recent conflicts, presenting a significant challenge for traditional air defense networks. Using multi-million-dollar surface-to-air missiles or expensive air-to-air munitions to shoot down drones that cost only a fraction of that price creates an unsustainable cost-exchange ratio for modern militaries.
The Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System, developed by BAE Systems, offers a compelling solution to this economic imbalance. The APKWS is essentially a guidance kit that transforms standard 2.75-inch (70mm) unguided Hydra rockets into precision-guided munitions. According to industry reporting by Air & Space Forces Magazine, an APKWS rocket costs less than $40,000, making it a highly cost-effective interceptor compared to larger missiles.
By pairing the APKWS with the MQ-9A Reaper, the U.S. Air-Forces creates a persistent, forward-deployed air defense asset. The Reaper’s 27-hour endurance allows it to loiter over vulnerable areas, maritime corridors, or forward operating bases for extended periods. When a hostile one-way attack drone is detected, the MQ-9A can use its onboard sensors to track the target and deploy a low-cost APKWS rocket to neutralize the threat before it reaches its destination. This capability not only protects critical assets but also preserves more expensive interceptors for higher-tier threats.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the APKWS?
The Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) is a laser-guidance kit manufactured by BAE Systems that converts unguided 2.75-inch (70mm) rockets into precision-guided munitions. It is designed to strike lightly armored or soft targets, as well as aerial drones, with high accuracy and low collateral damage.
Why is the MQ-9A Reaper being armed with APKWS?
Arming the MQ-9A with APKWS allows the drone to carry a larger number of lower-cost weapons. This is particularly useful for countering cheap, one-way attack drones, providing a cost-effective alternative to using expensive traditional missiles.
Where did the recent flight tests take place?
According to the GA-ASI press release, the flight tests were conducted at the Nevada Test and Training Range (NTTR).
Sources:
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI)
Photo Credit: General Atomics Aeronautical Systems
Defense & Military
NexTech Solutions Acquires BOOMSLANG Aerospace for UAS Defense
NexTech Solutions acquires BOOMSLANG Aerospace, adding UAS and Counter-UAS tech including the MONGOOSE system to its DoD portfolio.
NexTech Solutions (NTS) has finalized the acquisition of BOOMSLANG Aerospace, integrating new Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and Counter-UAS (C-UAS) technologies into its defense-grade product portfolio to address emerging tactical airspace threats.
Announced on August 24, 2026, following a transaction close on August 7, 2026, the acquisition marks the fifth corporate purchase by NTS since receiving strategic backing from private equity firm Clairvest in 2023. According to the company’s press release, the move is designed to provide modular, mission-ready solutions for the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and other government agencies.
Integrating UAS and Counter-UAS capabilities
The acquisition brings BOOMSLANG’s proprietary hardware and software into the NTS ecosystem. Central to this integration is the MONGOOSE C-UAS system, alongside the broader BOOMSLANG UAS family of systems. These platforms will join existing NTS products such as MANTLE, VidTerra COMPASS, and JEFF-K to create a networked defense architecture.
NTS leadership emphasized the operational readiness of the newly acquired technology and its immediate applicability to current defense requirements.
“BOOMSLANG Aerospace has built exactly the kind of technology our customers are asking for: cutting-edge, mission-ready, and purpose-built for the current threat environment at the edge,” stated Joseph Paull, CEO of NexTech Solutions.
David Pollman, Director of Counter-UAS Operations at NTS, noted that BOOMSLANG’s approach aligns with the company’s strategy to build modular, requirements-driven C-UAS architectures for government clients.
Corporate growth and defense sector strategy
The BOOMSLANG acquisition reflects a sustained expansion strategy for NTS, which operates out of Tampa, Florida, and Northern Virginia, with the latest announcement originating from Huntsville, Alabama. The 2023 investment from Clairvest positioned NTS as a platform company for defense technology growth, facilitating five acquisitions over the subsequent three years.
BOOMSLANG Aerospace leadership indicated the merger will accelerate product deployment. Alan Cornett, President and Co-Founder of BOOMSLANG Aerospace, stated that the combined entity can move faster from concept to fielded capability for defense customers.
AirPro News analysis
We view this acquisition as a direct response to the rapidly evolving tactical requirements of the U.S. Department of Defense. The proliferation of inexpensive, commercially available drones in modern conflict zones has forced defense contractors to rapidly scale their C-UAS offerings. By acquiring an established player like BOOMSLANG rather than developing a system entirely in-house, NTS accelerates its time-to-market. The emphasis on modular and networked ecosystems suggests NTS is positioning itself to offer comprehensive, plug-and-play airspace awareness and defeat mechanisms rather than standalone hardware.
Sources: NexTech Solutions (via PR Newswire)
Photo Credit: Montage
Defense & Military
NSPA Issues RFP for NATO Next Generation Rotorcraft Program
NSPA formally launches the NGRC Concept Design RFP, with four manufacturers competing for a six-nation helicopter replacement program.
The NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) has formally issued a Request for Proposal for the Concept Design phase of the Next Generation Rotorcraft Capability program, advancing a six-nation effort to replace aging medium multi-role Helicopters fleets.
Announced in a press release on August 10, 2026, the procurement targets a service entry between 2035 and 2040. The NSPA is managing the process on behalf of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. Four pre-qualified Manufacturers will compete in this phase: Airbus Helicopters, Leonardo Helicopters, The Boeing Company, and Sikorsky.
Advancing the concept design phase
The Request for Proposal (RFP) officially opened on July 31, 2026, and requires the four bidders to submit their concept design proposals by August 31, 2027, at 12:00 Paris Time. Under the procurement guidelines, each manufacturer can propose a maximum of two concept design solutions.
Maxime Martinez, Principal Procurement Officer for the Next Generation Rotorcraft Capability (NGRC) Programme at NSPA, confirmed the launch of the new phase.
I am pleased to announce that the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) has launched the next phase of the Next Generation Rotorcraft Capability (NGRC) Programme: a formal Request for Proposals (RFP) to qualified bidders linked to the competition for the Concept Design phase of NGRC.
The NSPA is utilizing a procurement mechanism called Acquisition by Qualified Options. This framework allows the participating nations to evaluate digital trials within an in-house modeling and simulation environment before committing to physical prototypes. The agency plans to complete the bid evaluation process by the end of 2027, at which point it will deliver an evaluation summary report to the participating nations.
Industry positioning and proposals
The four pre-qualified bidders, selected following a Pre-Qualification Assessment that closed in October 2025, have already begun positioning their offerings for the multi-national replacement program.
In February 2026, Airbus Helicopters revealed two distinct concepts for the NGRC study. The European manufacturer is developing both a high-performance conventional helicopter and a high-speed compound rotorcraft that leverages technology from its Racer demonstrator program. Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, announced in July 2026 that it would establish helicopter production facilities in Europe if the partner nations select its proposal.
The NSPA is encouraging broader industry participation through the primary bidders rather than direct submissions. Martinez stated that potential suppliers, technology providers, and industrial partners should engage directly with Airbus Helicopters, The Boeing Company, Leonardo Helicopters, or Sikorsky to contribute to the program.
AirPro News analysis
We view the NSPA decision to utilize the Acquisition by Qualified Options mechanism as a critical step in mitigating the technical and financial risks historically associated with clean-sheet rotorcraft development. By mandating digital trials in a simulated environment before advancing to physical prototypes, the participating nations can rigorously evaluate the aerodynamic and operational viability of complex designs, such as the compound concept proposed by Airbus Helicopters.
Sikorsky’s preemptive commitment to European production highlights the intense political and economic stakes of the NGRC program. With five European nations and Canada funding the development, North American bidders like Sikorsky and The Boeing Company will likely need to guarantee substantial industrial offsets and local manufacturing to remain competitive against indigenous European prime contractors like Airbus and Leonardo. The requirement for up to two concepts per bidder also provides the NSPA with a broad spectrum of conventional and advanced high-speed rotorcraft options to evaluate against the harmonized operational baseline.
Photo Credit: Airbus
Defense & Military
HAL and Safran Sign Aravalli Engine Co-Development Contract
HAL and Safran finalize the Aravalli engine contract via SAFHAL JV to power India’s IMRH and DBMRH helicopters by 2032-2033.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Safran Helicopter Engines have finalized a contract to co-develop the new-generation Aravalli engine, marking a definitive shift in Indian aerospace manufacturing from licensed production to indigenous propulsion design.
The agreement, signed on August 26, 2026, in Bengaluru, India, formalizes the design, development, manufacture, and lifecycle support of the engine through SAFHAL Helicopter Engines Pvt. Ltd. SAFHAL is a 50:50 joint venture between the two aerospace manufacturers. The Aravalli engine is slated to power India’s future 13-ton Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) and its naval variant, the Deck-Based Multi-Role Helicopter (DBMRH).
Technical specifications and manufacturing
The Aravalli engine will operate in the 3,500 to 4,000 shaft horsepower (shp) class. Under the terms of the agreement, HAL will gain access to core engine technologies, including the high-pressure compressor, power turbine, and accessory gearbox. This technology transfer is designed to build domestic intellectual property and expertise in high-power engine design.
Manufacturing operations for the Aravalli program will be based at HAL’s facility in Tumakuru, Karnataka. Safran Helicopter Engines Chief Executive Officer Cédric Goubet noted the precedent set by the agreement in a press release issued by HAL.
“This is the first time Safran HE has taken up such a class of engine as co-development. The Aravalli engine programme represents a new chapter in the strategic relationship between France and India, combining the expertise of our teams to develop propulsion systems for future Indian rotorcraft.”
Development timeline and strategic shift
The final contract follows a multi-year negotiation and planning phase. HAL and Safran initially signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the project in July 2022, followed by detailed workshare discussions at Aero India in February 2023. The companies executed an airframer contract on August 30, 2024, to commence joint design work.
The design and development phase is targeted for completion between 2032 and 2033. Once operational, the IMRH platform is intended to replace the Indian Air Force’s aging fleet of Mil Mi-17 Helicopters. HAL Chairman and Managing Director Ravi K emphasized the domestic industrial impact of the program.
“The signing of this contract marks a significant step forward in India’s pursuit of self-reliance in aero-engine technologies. Through this collaborative programme with SAFHAL and Safran Helicopter Engines, we are creating a strong foundation for powering next-generation Indian helicopter platforms.”
AirPro News analysis
The Aravalli engine contract represents a critical maturation point for India’s defense aviation sector. Historically, Indian aerospace manufacturing has relied heavily on licensed production of foreign designs, which limits domestic engineering capability and intellectual property ownership. By securing a 50:50 co-development structure that includes core engine components like the high-pressure compressor and power turbine, we view this agreement as a foundational step toward true Propulsion independence for the Indian military. If the 2032 to 2033 development timeline holds, HAL will be positioned not just as an assembler, but as a primary original equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) for high-power rotorcraft engines.
Sources: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
Photo Credit: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
-
Technology & Innovation6 days agoSkyband Systems M100 LRU Validates GNSS Jamming Protection
-
MRO & Manufacturing5 days agoBoeing SPEEA Engineers Reject Contract, Authorize Strike
-
Military Technology5 days agoSaab Unveils A3-001 Supersonic Stealth Drone Concept
-
Business Aviation5 days agoFTAI Aviation Closes $2B Warehouse Financing for 2026 SPV
-
Business Aviation5 days agoSyberJet SJ30-2 Sets Transcontinental Speed Record