Overview
- The five-year IDIQ led by the U.S. Navy enables purchases across all services and through foreign military sales to address rising domestic and international demand.
- BAE’s initial $322 million task order covers 11,000 WGU-59A/B kits, with public data showing early allocations that include 7,058 for Poland plus smaller lots for the Czech Republic, Bahrain, Singapore and the U.S. Special Defense Acquisition Fund.
- APKWS converts 2.75-inch Hydra-70 rockets into semi-active laser–guided munitions for air-to-surface, surface-to-air and air-to-air roles, providing a cheaper option for downing small drones than expending air-to-air missiles.
- Production continues at BAE facilities in Hudson, New Hampshire and Austin, Texas, sustaining full-rate output to deliver tens of thousands of kits over the contract period.
- Capability evolution includes the FALCO software to boost counter-UAS performance and a BAE-unveiled infrared seeker concept that would create a dual-mode variant if adopted.