The U.S. military used 70mm Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II (APKWS II) rockets in an air-to-air role against Houthi drones in its recent operation. 

Video footage released by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) captures the drones being intercepted and destroyed mid-flight, showcasing the effectiveness of precision-guided technology in combat.

U.S. Fighter aircraft shoot down Iran-backed Houthi one-way-attack drones with AGR-20 FALCO Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) Laser Guided 2.75″ Rockets.#HouthisAreTerrorists pic.twitter.com/bDoVnKwotc

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 19, 2025

APKWS rockets are originally designed for air-to-ground use, but now it is being used to shoot down drones. According to reports, new upgrades, including proximity-fused warheads, are improving APKWS effectiveness in countering drone threats.

Each APKWS rocket costs about $35,000, far less than AIM-9X Sidewinders ($500,000) or AIM-120 AMRAAMs ($1 million).

“The APKWS ($35K each) is a fraction of the cost of missiles like the AMRAAM ($1M each) or AIM-9 (~$500K each). More savings. More lethality. More Air Force,” said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David W. Allvin in a post on X. 

I love watching our Airmen at work! The APKWS (~$35K each) is a fraction of the cost of missiles like the AMRAAM (~$1M each) or AIM-9 (~$500K each). More savings. More lethality. More Air Force. https://t.co/wlsFvBdcyF

— General David Allvin (@OfficialCSAF) March 19, 2025

This is the first confirmed use of APKWS rockets. However, The War Zone previously reported that the U.S. Air Force’s F-16 Vipers have been using them against the Houthis since last year.

Since late 2023, Houthi forces have launched over 170 attacks on U.S. and allied vessels in the Red Sea. In response, the U.S. has led Operation Prosperity Guardian to secure maritime traffic.

The U.S. and coalition forces have destroyed more than 325 Houthi drones—over 200 in flight and 120 on the ground—since January 2024, according to U.S. Air Forces Central.