MBDA is to market the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System laser-guided rocket in Europe for BAE Systems of the United States.

The marketing agreement was signed this week.

"MBDA's position as a prime weapon systems integrator in Europe, and the existing relationship between BAE Systems and MBDA, made this agreement a natural fit," said David Harrold, director of precision guidance solutions at BAE Systems, Inc. "As part of a global campaign, we anticipate this joint marketing effort will create a channel to meet the increasing demand from the European market for the APKWS rocket."

The Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System, or APKWS, is a mid-body guidance section fitted between the motor and the warhead of standard unguided 70 mm rocket, which turns it into a precision laser-guided weapon. The transformation process requires no modifications to the rocket, launch platform, or fire control/launcher system.

"The APKWS rocket offers our customers high precision at a low cost," said Paul Mead, group business development director at MBDA. "The system is suitable for a wide range of rotary and fixed wing platforms and complements our existing portfolio."

Specific details of the marketing agreement were not disclosed.