Overview
- BAE says the framework with the U.S. Department of War establishes up to seven years of procurement authority and targets capacity of as many as 35,000 APKWS laser‑guidance kits per year.
- The company plans to expand manufacturing and supply‑chain work at its Hudson, New Hampshire and Austin, Texas facilities while a definitive multi‑year contract is still being negotiated under the framework.
- APKWS kits convert unguided 2.75‑inch rockets into laser‑guided precision munitions that are fielded by the Air Force, Army, Marine Corps and Navy and are available to U.S. allies.
- BAE frames the move as strengthening surge readiness through investments in advanced manufacturing, materials, workforce skills and partner suppliers to keep low‑cost precision munitions available.
- If the capacity target is realized, the increase could speed deliveries for wartime surges, ease supply bottlenecks for allied sales, and create more production jobs in the company’s U.S. facilities.