The U.S. State Department has approved a possible $364 million Foreign Military Sale to Italy for 5,031 air-to-air Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II guidance sections and related equipment. The package, with BAE Systems as principal contractor, is intended to strengthen Italy’s ability to counter low-end airborne threats, including drones, while supporting NATO air and missile defence.
The notification covers the air-to-air variant of APKWS II, a configuration that converts 70 mm rockets into laser-guided precision weapons. It also includes launchers, warheads, rocket motors, proximity fuzes, practice items and technical support services, underscoring a broader counter-drone role rather than a ground-launch-only application.
The approval is a first-step FMS notification rather than a final contract, and the final package could still change before any deal is completed. U.S. officials indicated the sale would help Italy meet current and future threats, protect allied forces and enhance homeland defence.