U.S. F-15E Fighter Jet Takes on New Drone-Killer Role Against Iranian UAV Attacks

The U.S. Air Force has tested laser-guided 70 mm APKWS II rockets on F-15E Strike Eagles as a lower-cost counter-UAS option against relatively slow unmanned aircraft. The approach is intended to preserve more expensive AIM-9X and AIM-120 missiles for higher-end threats while giving crews a deeper magazine for sustained drone-defense missions. Tests have included configurations with as many as six LAU-131 launchers carrying 42 APKWS II rockets, allowing the F-15E to retain conventional air-to-air missiles alongside the guided rockets.