The U.S. has approved the sale of AGM-114 Hellfire ATGM and APKWS II laser-guided rockets to the Czech Republic. The sale includes 200 AGM-114R laser-guided ATGMs and 600 APKWS-II laser-guided rockets. The total cost, including the munitions, technical support, and related equipment, is estimated at $138.26 million. The missiles are likely to be used on the Czech Republic's upcoming AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters, as other helicopters in use are of Russian origin and can't use the munitions. The European country will also acquire UH-1Y utility helicopters, which will be advantageous in logistics because AH-1Z and UH-1Y have a significant number of parts in common.
AGM-114R is the latest laser-guided variant of the Hellfire family fitted with a tandem-shaped charge warhead to engage heavily armoured targets. The missile can be used on helicopters, light attack aircraft, UCAVs, and patrol boats. APKWS-II is the second iteration of the APKWS laser guidance kit for Hydra 70 rockets widely used throughout NATO.
The laser guidance kit incorporates a laser seeker with four apertures on canards. In addition to making Hydra 70 rockets more precise against surface targets, the kit was demonstrated to have C-UAS capabilities with a laser proximity fuse that can allow it to engage slow, low-flying targets. Compared to a MANPADS missile like the FIM-92 Stinger, the lower cost of the guidance package and the rocket itself present an alternative in the V-SHORAD role, given the optics can reliably track the target.
