F-15E Strike Eagle Fires Drone Killing Laser-Guided Rockets
The Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS) website just posted U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike actually firing air-to-air optimized variants of the laser-guided 70mm Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II (APKWS II) rocket.
The test images were all taken on May 22, 2025.
This is a still relatively new capability for the F-15E that was rushed into service earlier this year. With loads of up to 42 APKWS II rockets, plus traditional air-to-air missiles, the Strike Eagle is transformed into a highly capable counter-drone and cruise missile ‘weapons truck.’
The 96 TW and the 53rd Wing teamed up to test AGR-20F Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II laser-guided rockets on the F-15E in May in an effort to get the capability to the warfighter as quickly as possible.
AGR-20F is the designation for the air-to-air optimized variant of the APKWS II, also known as the Fixed Wing, Air Launched, Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems Ordnance (FALCO) configuration. All APKWS II rockets consist of three key components: a laser guidance section inserted between one of a variety of warhead options and a standard 70mm rocket motor in between.
Top Photo: U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Thomas Barley
Sources: The Defense Visual Information Distribution Service ; The War Zone
