The 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron and the 40th Flight Test Squadron tested laser-guided rocket systems through F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft units during a demonstration on Dec. 19.
The aircraft units utilized AGR-20A Advanced Precision Kill Weapon Systems to destroy a subscale drone at low altitude, the U.S. Air Force said Thursday.
Efforts under the demonstration are intended to deliver a proof of concept for the deployment of rockets on F-16 aircraft units in cruise missile defense missions.
âThis proof of concept can have implications for homeland defense missions, combined defense of the Arabian Gulf and beyond,â said Col. Ryan Messer, commander at the 53rd Wing.
The AGR-20A is a mid-body guidance system that works to equip unguided missiles with laser-guided capacities. The platform was initially built to function as a low collateral damage-to-air weapon in support of missions in Iraq and Afghanistan.