Pentagon orders more fuzes to turn Hydra rockets into drone killers

The Pentagon ordered another $52.3 million of L3Harris proximity fuzes for 70-millimeter rockets, more than doubling the value of an award placed four months earlier. When combined with APKWS II guidance kits, the fuzes allow Hydra-family rockets to detonate near small drones rather than require a direct impact, improving the economics of short-range defense. The modification expands an existing counter-uncrewed-aircraft option, although the department did not disclose the number of fuzes, delivery locations, or supported launch platforms. Using guided rockets against inexpensive aircraft offers more magazine depth than relying exclusively on larger surface-to-air missiles.