WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of State has approved a possible $364 million Foreign Military Sale to Italy for the air-to-air variant of the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System-II (APKWS-II). The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced the approval on August 21, 2026, under Transmittal No. 26-92.
Italy has requested 5,031 WGU-59B/B Single Variant Air-to-Air Guidance Sections, along with associated launchers, warheads, rocket motors, proximity fuzes, training equipment and support services.
Package Details
The proposed package includes:
- 5,031 WGU-59B/B APKWS-II guidance sections
- LAU-131 A/A 7-round rocket launchers
- Mk-152 high-explosive warheads
- MK66 solid-fuel rocket motors and inert training motors
- Proximity fuzes
- WTU-1/B practice warheads
- Other support equipment
- Publications and technical documentation
- Transportation
- U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support
BAE Systems of Nashua, New Hampshire, is the principal contractor.
The U.S. government said it is not currently aware of any proposed offset agreement. Any such agreement would be negotiated between Italy and the contractor.
APKWS-II Air-to-Air System
APKWS-II is a laser-guidance kit that converts standard 70mm (2.75-inch) Hydra 70 unguided rockets into precision-guided weapons. The guidance section is installed between the warhead and rocket motor.
In the air-to-air configuration, laser receivers are positioned on the leading edges of the deployable wings, while proximity fuzes and optimized software support engagements against drones and other slow-moving aerial targets.
The system can also be carried in multi-round launcher pods, allowing several guided rockets to be carried on a single launcher.
Strengthening Italy's Air Defense
The U.S. State Department said the proposed sale would strengthen Italy's homeland defense, improve its ability to address current and future threats, and enhance its contribution to NATO integrated air and missile defense. It would also support the protection of Italy and allied land forces.
The U.S. government said Italy can absorb the equipment and services into its armed forces, while the sale would not alter the basic military balance in the region.
Implementation would not require additional U.S. Government or contractor personnel to be assigned to Italy, and the proposed sale would have no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness.
The approval is for a potential sale, not a completed contract. Final quantities, configuration and costs would be determined through negotiations and contracting if Italy proceeds with the purchase.
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