BAE APKWS contract transferred to the Navy

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 (UPI) -- An advanced weapons technology contract that BAE Systems had with the U.S. Army has been transferred in full to the Navy.

British company BAE was under contract with the Army to develop its Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System, which is a precision munitions technology that turns unguided rockets into laser-guided weapons.

As part of the contract transfer to the Navy, BAE will continue development of its APKWS technology and be expected to demonstrate the system's capabilities.

"APKWS will give troops the ability to engage enemies in an urban environment, minimizing casualties and property damage, and allowing helicopter troops to target enemies with increased precision even before opposition forces are aware of engagement," Frank Wilson, BAE Systems vice president of precision targeting in Nashua, N.H., said in a statement.