U.S. Accelerates Air-to-Air APKWS Missile for Drone Swarm Defense

Experts from government agencies meet to fast-track counter-drone capabilities

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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More than 180 experts from the War Department and multiple federal agencies met in Alexandria, Virginia, on November 27, 2025 to begin a three-year initiative to deliver counter-small unmanned aircraft system capabilities to the U.S. military, including the fast-tracking of an air-to-air APKWS missile to combat drone swarms.

Why it matters

The development of effective counter-drone technologies has become a critical priority for the U.S. military as the threat of adversary drone swarms continues to grow. This initiative aims to rapidly field new capabilities to protect troops and assets from these emerging threats.

The details

The meeting in Alexandria brought together experts from across the government to coordinate efforts on a range of counter-drone solutions, including the accelerated development of an air-to-air variant of the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) missile. This missile is designed to engage small unmanned aerial vehicles with precision.

  • The experts met on November 27, 2025.
  • The initiative is planned to last three years.

The players

War Department

The U.S. government agency responsible for national defense.

Federal Agencies

Multiple U.S. government agencies participating in the counter-drone initiative.

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What’s next

Over the next three years, the experts will work to deliver the air-to-air APKWS missile and other counter-drone capabilities to the U.S. military.

The takeaway

This initiative highlights the growing threat of drone swarms and the U.S. government's commitment to rapidly developing new technologies to protect troops and assets from these emerging threats.