The Ukrainian Air Force is demonstrating a novel approach to intercepting Russian drones, utilizing F-16 fighter jets equipped with low-cost Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II (APKWS II) guided rockets. This tactic, showcased in a recently released video, represents a potential shift in Ukraine’s air defense strategy, offering an economical solution to countering the increasing threat of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The development comes as Ukraine continues to seek ways to bolster its defenses against Russia’s ongoing aerial attacks.
Footage released by the Ukrainian Air Force depicts aerial interceptions during a Russian air attack on the night of February 16–17, 2026. During this attack, Russia employed 425 aerial attack assets, of which 392 were reportedly shot down or suppressed, according to Ukrainian officials. The video highlights a specific instance of an F-16 successfully engaging and destroying a Shahed drone using an APKWS II rocket. This marks the first confirmed instance of a Ukrainian F-16 utilizing this particular weapon system against drones, as reported by Defense Express.
The APKWS II rocket is a laser-guided 70mm rocket, offering a significantly lower-cost alternative to traditional missile systems. According to reporting from TWZ, this capability was first used by U.S. Air Force F-16s in combat last year. The Ukrainian Air Force’s adoption of the APKWS II addresses a critical need for a high-volume, low-cost anti-air capability, particularly against the proliferation of relatively inexpensive drones and cruise missiles. The system allows for the potential interception of dozens of targets in a single sortie, a capability that is crucial given the scale of recent Russian attacks.
The interception was likely filmed using the AN/AAQ-33 Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod, a precision targeting system that guides the APKWS II rocket to its target. Images circulating on social media, including those shared on the Avia OFN Telegram channel, display Ukrainian F-16AM jets carrying LAU-131/A seven-shot 70mm rocket pods loaded with APKWS II rockets, alongside AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles. The use of the Sniper pod significantly enhances the F-16’s ability to identify and engage targets with precision, even in challenging conditions.
Бойова робота протиповітряної оборони під час комбінованого удару у ніч на 17 лютого 2026 року.Відео – Повітряні Сили ЗСУhttps://t.co/sfe2GD3UrA
— Генеральний штаб ЗСУ (@GeneralStaffUA) February 17, 2026
Ukraine has been utilizing APKWS II rockets for several years, initially employing them from ground-based launchers in surface-to-air and surface-to-surface roles. However, integrating them with the F-16 platform expands their operational capabilities and provides a more versatile defense against aerial threats. This development is particularly significant given the increasing reliance on drones in modern warfare, as noted by Wes O’Donnell in a recent analysis. The ability to engage drones with a relatively inexpensive and readily available weapon system is a key advantage for Ukraine.
The recent Russian attacks intercepted on February 16-17 involved a diverse range of aerial assets, including 367 UAVs, 20 Kh-101 cruise missiles, four Iskander-K cruise missiles and one Kh-59/69 guided air-launched missile. The successful interception of these targets, including the Shahed drone by an F-16 with an APKWS II rocket, demonstrates the effectiveness of Ukraine’s evolving air defense strategies. The Ukrainian military continues to adapt and innovate in response to the changing dynamics of the conflict.
The deployment of APKWS II rockets on F-16s represents a tactical adaptation to the realities of the conflict, allowing Ukraine to efficiently counter a large volume of relatively low-cost drone threats. As Ukraine continues to integrate the F-16 into its air defense network, further refinements and adaptations are expected. The ongoing conflict highlights the importance of adaptable and cost-effective defense strategies in modern warfare, and Ukraine’s use of the APKWS II exemplifies this approach.
Looking ahead, the continued integration of the F-16 and APKWS II into Ukraine’s air defense system will be crucial. Further analysis of the effectiveness of this combination, as well as potential adaptations to counter evolving Russian tactics, will be key to maintaining Ukraine’s defensive capabilities. The success of this strategy could also influence air defense strategies in other regions facing similar drone threats.
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