Precision-guided munitions

Our precision-guided munitions use advanced technologies to consistently and effectively hit a variety of targets in complex environments from long distances, resulting in successful land, air, and sea missions. We focus on delivering scalable, affordable precision fires systems that increase lethality and tactical proficiency in the battle space.

Key products

• APKWS® Laser-Guided Rocket: A mid-body guidance section that transforms a standard, unguided 2.75-inch (70 mm) rocket into a precision laser-guided rocket
• BONUS: Artillery-launched ammunition containing two sensor-fused sub-munitions for defeating armored vehicles including self-propelled artillery
• Long Range Precision Guidance Kit (LR-PGK): PGK with GPS anti-jam technology corrects inherent ballistic errors of high-explosive and rocket-assist artillery projectiles to deliver long range precision fires.
• Hypervelocity Projectile (HVP): Capable of executing multiple missions, provides lethality and performance enhancements to current and future land and naval gun systems.
• Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) seeker: Guidance technology capable of autonomously detecting and identifying targets for this next-generation missile
• Silver Bullet - Precision Guidance Kit: GPS-based guidance kit that transforms a standard artillery shell into a precision-guided munition
• Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) seeker: Guidance technology for the U.S. Army anti-ballistic missile defense system, which is designed to shoot down short-, medium-, and intermediate-range ballistic missiles in their terminal phase by intercepting them with a hit-to-kill approach 
• Vulcano PGMs: Gun-launched PGM offering U.S. and allied military forces a range of low-risk, cost effective capabilities for advanced, large caliber weapon systems to defeat land and sea threats.

Future PGM solutions

BAE Systems recognizes that the evolving battle space requires smart, precision-guided munitions to stay ahead of threats, and our development programs reflect the Department of Defense's special interest in long range precision fires (LRPF). We are positioned at the forefront of innovation and low-cost solutions – and are continuing to invest heavily in future technologies.

Our expertise

The Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) seeker enables hit-to-kill engagements of short-, medium-, and intermediate-range ballistic missiles.

As one of the largest global defense contractors in the world, BAE Systems has nearly 40 years of precision munitions expertise in delivering modular, combat-proven solutions. As a result, we are uniquely positioned to integrate munitions into a range of weapons platforms, with particular expertise in munitions handling, interior ballistics, and fire control.

Some PGMs that we develop include:

• Artillery and ammunition systems as the original equipment manufacturer for the:
  • M777 Howitzer
  • M109A6/A7 Howitzer
  • M1299 Extended Range Cannon Artillery
  • Mk 45
• Targeting capabilities: 
  • Sensors, sights, antennas, arrays, lasers, and microelectronics
• Anti-jamming capabilities, machine learning, and cognitive processing to serve the electronic warfare mission

The cost of missing your target

The APKWS guidance kit uses its DASALS® seeker optics located on all four wings to precisely guide the rocket to its target.

BAE Systems understands the importance of hitting a target on the first shot, with reduced collateral damage – and the consequences of missing. Often, you only get one shot. We make sure it counts by maximizing product effectiveness for the demands of the battle space, including:

• Effectiveness in RF- and GPS-denied environments 
• Modularity for multiple missions 
• Network connectivity 
• High rate of fire

Discriminating technology and innovation

Our team of experts develops solutions that pair our market-leading guidance, navigation, and control telemetry technology with existing munitions. These innovative solutions empower our customers to achieve accuracy across a variety of missions with:

• Scalable for future upgrades
• Highly-optimized manufacturing
• Modeling and simulation
• Adaptive processing and signals intelligence
• Visual guidance (scene/target matching)

Our industry-leading solutions feature:

• Low size, weight, and power, and programmable microelectronics
• Sensors, antennas, and arrays 
  • Semi-autonomous electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) navigation
  • Radar antenna
  • Multi-function radio frequency (RF) arrays
• GPS-enabled
• Command guidance fire control

Benefits of our precision-guided munitions

Conflicts today require smarter firepower with greater range – a trend that will continue in the future. BAE Systems provides exceptional precision-guided munitions capabilities that give soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines a tactical advantage in every scenario. Our PGMs offer:

• Cost effective
  • Accurate first-hit defeat to increase lethality while reducing mission cost, logistics costs, and collateral damage
  • Compatibility with existing munition and weapon systems
  • Affordability and light, compact design, allowing greater quantities of weapons to be taken into combat
• Versatile/multi-service
• Increased range
• Minimal training time