Ukrainian F-16 fighter jets have been equipped with low-cost laser-guided rockets designed to counter Russian Shahed drones and cruise missiles, according to recent reports and images.[1]

The New Capability

Photos published on December 4, 2025 show Ukrainian F-16s equipped with LAU-131/A rocket pods and AN/AAQ-33 Sniper targeting modules.[2] Each LAU-131 pod carries seven rockets, and the jets can be equipped with multiple pods.

The APKWS (Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System) II is a conversion kit that turns Hydra-70 unguided rockets into laser-guided precision munitions. The system provides a low-cost alternative to traditional air-to-air missiles for engaging drones and some cruise missiles.[3]

Cost Advantage

The APKWS II rockets cost approximately $22,000-$28,000 per unit,[3] making them significantly cheaper than conventional air-to-air missiles. This cost advantage is crucial given the high volume of drone attacks Ukraine faces.

According to defense analysts, a single F-16 could carry up to 28 APKWS rockets, dramatically increasing the number of targets that can be engaged in a single sortie compared to carrying only traditional air-to-air missiles.

Combat Proven System

The APKWS system has already been combat-tested by US Air Force F-16s against Houthi drones in the Middle East, demonstrating effectiveness in real-world air-to-air engagements.[4]

The targeting pods are essential for the system to work—without them, the laser-guided APKWS rockets cannot be employed effectively.[5]

Strategic Impact

The addition of APKWS capability provides Ukraine with a much-needed high-volume, cost-effective solution for defending against the hundreds of Shahed drones Russia regularly launches. With Russia having launched 653 Shahed drones in a single massive attack earlier this week,[6] the ability to engage multiple targets per sortie is critical for Ukraine’s air defense.