F-16 downs drone w/ 70mm rocket

EGLIN AFB, Fla. - An Air Force F-16C Viper shot down a target drone using a laser-guided 70mm rocket typically used for air-to-ground strikes during a test over the Gulf of Mexico, south of Eglin AFB, Fla. The AF conducted the experiment to determine its suitability for shooting down incoming cruise missiles, but may be useful against small unmanned aircraft, such as suicide drones. The F-16C, assigned to the 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron at Eglin AFB, conducted the test Dec. 19. A BQM-167 target drone served as the simulated cruise missile threat. “The test was unprecedented and will shape the future of how the Air Force executes CMD [cruise missile defense]," Col. Ryan Messer, commander of the base’s 53rd Wing, said. “This is a prime example of how the 53rd Wing is using resources readily available to establish innovative ways that enhance combat capabilities for our combat units." The Marines first fielded the laser-guided Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II (APKWS II) 70mm rocket, also known as the AGR-20A, in 2008. The weapon's use has since expanded dramatically across the military for both fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters. (Source: 53rd Wing 12/23/19) https://www.53rdwing.af.mil/News/Article/2046450/f-16-downs-target-drone-with-laser-guided-rocket-in-unprecedented-test/