Fact Check: "F-16s in the Middle East have been using APKWS IIs to down drones since last year."
What We Know
The claim that F-16s in the Middle East have been using the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II (APKWS II) to down drones is supported by multiple sources. According to a report by The TWZ Newsletter, U.S. Air Force F-16 Vipers have been employing 70mm laser-guided rockets to target and shoot down Houthi drones in operations around the Red Sea over the past year. This capability was first demonstrated in 2019, but it was not until recently that it was confirmed to be operational.
A U.S. military official confirmed to The TWZ Newsletter that the APKWS II rockets were specifically used in an air-to-air role against drones, providing a cost-effective alternative to more expensive air-to-air missiles like the AIM-9X and AIM-120. The operational use of APKWS II rockets against drone threats highlights their effectiveness in modern combat scenarios, particularly against low-performance targets such as drones (The Aviationist).
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim comes from credible military sources and reports. The confirmation from a U.S. military official regarding the use of APKWS II in combat scenarios lends significant weight to the assertion. The TWZ Newsletter provides detailed insights into the operational context, including the cost-effectiveness of APKWS II compared to traditional air-to-air missiles, which can exceed $1 million each (The TWZ Newsletter). The unit cost of an APKWS II guidance section is around $15,000, making it a financially viable option for engaging multiple drone targets without the need for rearming (The TWZ Newsletter).
Moreover, the diversion of counter-drone capabilities from Ukraine to the Middle East, as confirmed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, indicates a strategic shift in U.S. military operations, further supporting the operational deployment of APKWS II rockets in this context (The TWZ Newsletter). This aligns with the broader military strategy of adapting existing munitions for new roles, particularly in response to the increasing threat posed by drone technology in modern warfare.
While the sources cited are generally reliable, it is important to note that they stem from military and defense-focused publications. These sources may have inherent biases towards portraying military capabilities positively. However, the consistency of information across multiple reports enhances the credibility of the claim.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that F-16s in the Middle East have been using APKWS IIs to down drones since last year is substantiated by credible reports from military sources. The operational use of these rockets against Houthi drones has been confirmed, highlighting a strategic adaptation of U.S. military capabilities to address emerging threats in the region.
Sources
- 螺纹接口：1/2NPT (M)和1/2NPT (F)有什么区别，是不是就是 ... Baidu
- F-16s Have Been Using Laser-Guided Rockets To Shoot Down Houthi Drones The TWZ Newsletter
- Counter-Drone Weapons Diverted From Ukraine To Middle ... The TWZ Newsletter
- 知乎 - 有问题，就会有答案 Zhihu
- U.S. F-16 Fighters Shot Down Drones with Laser-Guided Rockets in Combat The Aviationist
- Geopolitical and Strategic Implications of the U.S. Diversion of ... Debuglies
- U.S. Fighter Aircraft Shoots Down "Cheap" Houthi Drones Using Low-Cost ... Eurasian Times
