Here are two professionally rephrased variants of the article-style content:
Variant 1
Saab is assessing the integration of the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) onto the JAS 39 Gripen fighter as a cost-effective solution for counter-drone operations.
Driven by operational lessons from the war in Ukraine—where economical defensive capabilities have proven more effective than expensive missiles against low-cost but highly lethal drones—Saab executives told Business Insider at the Singapore Airshow that the company is actively exploring this capability.
The integration effort focuses on adapting the APKWS, which employs Hydra 70mm laser-guided rockets typically deployed via multi-launch pods, for both the Gripen C and the newer Gripen E variants. Saab is also developing a multi-munition carriage system that would allow multiple weapons to be mounted on a single hardpoint, enabling a single aircraft to engage a larger number of drones per sortie.
This initiative coincides with renewed discussions between Swedish and Ukrainian defense officials regarding a potential transfer of Gripen fighter aircraft. Sweden initially offered Gripen jets and pilot training in 2023, but the transfer was paused in 2024 to prioritize the delivery of F-16 fighters to Ukraine.
Economical Counter-Drone Strategy
Saab’s approach reflects a broader shift toward arming modern fighter aircraft with low-cost precision munitions for counter-drone missions. In 2024, the US Air Force modified the F-15E Strike Eagle to carry the AGR-20F APKWS II, enabling it to deploy up to 42 precision rockets to counter drone swarms.
Similarly, BAE Systems is evaluating the integration of APKWS II laser-guided rockets on the Eurofighter Typhoon, complementing its advanced air-to-air missile suite.
Traditional air-to-air missiles such as the AIM-9 Sidewinder and AIM-120 AMRAAM typically cost between $500,000 and $1 million per round. In contrast, an APKWS munition costs approximately $20,000 to $35,000, making it a far more economical option against kamikaze drones like the Shahed, which are estimated to cost between $20,000 and $50,000 per unit.
Variant 2
Saab is exploring the integration of the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) on the JAS 39 Gripen fighter jet as a low-cost, high-efficiency solution for countering unmanned aerial threats.
The initiative is driven by operational insights from the Ukraine conflict, where the use of expensive interceptor missiles against low-cost drones has proven economically unsustainable. Speaking to Business Insider at the Singapore Airshow, Saab executives said the company is evaluating ways to integrate APKWS—based on Hydra 70mm laser-guided rockets—onto both legacy Gripen C and next-generation Gripen E platforms.
In parallel, Saab is developing a multiple-munition carriage solution that would allow several weapons to be mounted on a single hardpoint, significantly increasing the number of drones a single aircraft can engage per sortie.
The development comes amid renewed dialogue between Swedish and Ukrainian defense officials over a potential transfer of Gripen fighters. Sweden first proposed supplying Gripen aircraft and pilot training in 2023, but the plan was suspended in 2024 to prioritize the delivery of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine.
Cost-Effective Air Combat Trends
Saab’s move aligns with a broader international trend toward equipping combat aircraft with affordable precision-guided munitions for counter-drone missions. The US Air Force has already integrated the AGR-20F APKWS II on the F-15E Strike Eagle, enabling the aircraft to carry up to 42 precision rockets for drone swarm defense.
BAE Systems is also examining APKWS II integration on the Eurofighter Typhoon, complementing its advanced missile systems.
With traditional air-to-air missiles such as the AIM-9 and AIM-120 costing between $500,000 and $1 million each, APKWS rounds—priced at approximately $20,000 to $35,000—offer a highly cost-effective alternative against kamikaze drones like the Shahed, which themselves are estimated to cost $20,000 to $50,000 per unit.
