{"url":"https://newsforagent.com/news/2026-10-19/bae-systems-apkws-framework-agreement","markdown_url":"https://newsforagent.com/news/2026-10-19/bae-systems-apkws-framework-agreement.md","title":"BAE Systems Signs 7-Year APKWS Deal","headline":"BAE Systems and US Department of War Sign Framework to Lift APKWS Output to 35,000 Units a Year","description":"BAE Systems signed a framework agreement with the US Department of War to raise APKWS laser-guidance kit capacity to 35,000 units a year for up to seven years.","section":"Contracts & Customers","published_at":"2026-10-19T15:40:38+00:00","modified_at":"2026-10-19T15:40:38+00:00","author":"News Desk","key_takeaways":["BAE Systems signed a framework agreement with the US Department of War covering up to seven years of multi-year procurement.","The agreement raises APKWS laser-guidance kit production capacity to as many as 35,000 units per year.","Mirage News reported the Department of Defense put annual procurement at up to 25,000 guidance sections, with surge output to 35,000 units for allies through Foreign Military Sales."],"companies":[{"name":"BAE Systems","is_primary":true,"profile_url":null,"website":"http://www.baesystems.com"}],"source":{"publisher":"PR Newswire","title":"BAE Systems, US Department of War sign long‑term agreement to increase APKWS production","url":"https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bae-systems-us-department-of-war-sign-longterm-agreement-to-increase-apkws-production-302912777.html"},"other_sources":[{"publisher":"Mirage News","url":"https://www.miragenews.com/war-department-bae-sign-deal-to-boost-1762792/"}],"tags":["Contracts & Customers","BAE Systems"],"body_markdown":"BAE Systems signed a framework agreement with the U.S. Department of War covering up to seven years of multi-year procurement, raising APKWS laser-guidance kit production capacity to as many as 35,000 units per year, [PR Newswire](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bae-systems-us-department-of-war-sign-longterm-agreement-to-increase-apkws-production-302912777.html) reported on October 19, 2026. BAE Systems is a London-listed defense manufacturer whose APKWS kits turn unguided 2.75-inch rockets into precision-guided munitions.\n\n## BAE Systems' APKWS Framework With the Department of War\n\nUnder the agreement, BAE Systems will increase production while negotiating a multi-year contract inside the framework, the company said. The company said the arrangement provides surge-ready support for evolving operational demands and reinforces the nation's Arsenal of Freedom by accelerating delivery and strengthening the supply of critical munitions for the U.S. And its allies.\n\n\"APKWS delivers proven, reliable and affordable precision at scale to counter evolving threats and ensure our warfighters maintain a decisive advantage,\" said Tom Arseneault, president and CEO of BAE Systems, Inc. \"This agreement highlights the importance of sustained investment in critical munitions to strengthen readiness and equip forces for evolving operational needs.\"\n\nBAE Systems said the kits are fielded by the U.S. Air Force, Army, Marine Corps and Navy and are available to U.S. Allies, and that they can be deployed across a wide range of platforms in air-to-surface, surface-to-surface, surface-to-air and air-to-air engagements. The company said the kits are produced at its facilities in Hudson, New Hampshire and Austin, Texas, and that it continues to develop upgrades, mission-specific variants and new technologies.\n\n[Mirage News](https://www.miragenews.com/war-department-bae-sign-deal-to-boost-1762792/) reported that the U.S. Department of Defense announced a framework agreement with BAE Systems to procure up to 25,000 APKWS guidance sections annually for up to seven years, with surge output to 35,000 units for international allies through Foreign Military Sales. Mirage News reported the deal aims to keep production lines at capacity and expand the industrial base.\n\n## Earlier BAE Systems Announcements This October\n\nOn October 16, 2026, BAE Systems unveiled a high-power microwave weapon to counter drones, using 99% off-the-shelf parts for faster, cheaper production, The Defense Post reported. On October 15, 2026, a cybersecurity incident targeting BAE Systems disrupted the system producing and transmitting bankruptcy notices across U.S. Federal bankruptcy courts, Rankiteo Blog reported. On October 14, 2026, BAE Systems directors purchased partnership and matching shares under its Share Incentive Plan, TradingView reported.\n\n## What Follows the APKWS Framework\n\nBAE Systems will negotiate a multi-year contract within the framework, the company said. The company said the framework agreement is valid for up to seven years. More information is available on the [APKWS laser-guidance kit page](http://www.baesystems.com).\n","publisher":{"name":"News for Agent","url":"https://newsforagent.com"}}