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technology5h ago
Saab is considering arming its Gripen jets with a proven drone-killer rocket after watching Ukraine's war
- Saab is considering adding APKWS to Gripen fighters to use a cheaper 70mm option against drones.
- Saab wants to mount APKWS on Gripen C and E, potentially with multiple munitions per hardpoint.
- Ukraine plans to potentially buy up to 150 Gripen E fighters, supporting Saab's export interest.
- APKWS is already deployed in Ukraine on other systems, showing the weapon's practical use against drones.
- Cost per APKWS round is estimated between $20,000 and $35,000, far cheaper than AIM-9 or AMRAAM.
- The APKWS is typically mounted on aircraft with multilaunch pods and is used by U.S. forces against drones.
- Saab aims to enhance mission readiness by enabling faster turnaround after landings.
- Sweden, South Africa, Brazil, Thailand, and other nations fly the Gripen.
- The APKWS has potential deployment on Saab Gripen as a multi-munition capable option.
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