Ukraine’s F-16 fighter jets were spotted equipped with advanced targeting pods that allow the integration of laser-guided weapons—including the US-made APKWS II precision rocket system, which enables far more cost-effective engagements against drones. A photo of the upgraded jet was published by the Telegram channel Avia OFN on December 4.
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These pods are essential: without them, Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) II rockets cannot be employed. The system has emerged as one of the most affordable and effective ways to destroy drones, avoiding the high cost of expending traditional air-to-air missiles.
There are a lot of smart Russians. Most of them are in the west, applying their skills to civilian applications and getting paid well for it. Over a drink, they will talk about how Russia has gone to shit and there was nothing for them. The ones who stayed behind would have been the ones who either couldn’t leave or didn’t want to.