U.S. F-15E fighter jet integrates AGR 20F laser-guided rockets for counter-drone missions.

The U.S. Air Force has significantly expanded the combat versatility of its F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet through the rapid integration of the AGR-20F Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II. This precision-guided rocket, originally developed for lightweight platforms, is now fully operational aboard the Strike Eagle, bringing new counter-drone and precision strike capabilities to one of the Air Force’s most powerful multirole aircraft. The integration effort, executed by the 96th Test Wing and 53rd Wing, progressed from ground testing to combat deployment in just nine days, redefining rapid fielding for tactical airpower.
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A 96th Test Wing F-15E Strike Eagle conducts a test flight with AGR-20F laser-guided rockets over Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, on May 22, 2024. The 96th and 53rd Wings accelerated integration of the precision weapon to rapidly field the new counter-drone capability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Thomas Barley)

The AGR-20F is a laser-guided version of the 70mm Hydra rocket, designed to strike with high accuracy while offering a cost-effective alternative to larger guided bombs. With a weight of roughly 30 pounds and a standoff range of 5 to 7 kilometers, the weapon fills a critical gap between unguided munitions and expensive precision systems like the GBU-39 or AGM-65. Its integration onto the F-15E adds a scalable option for engaging low-cost threats such as small drones, light vehicles, and fast-attack craft with minimal collateral risk.

Unlike traditional bomb racks designed for larger payloads, the F-15E had no existing method to carry the AGR-20F. Engineers resolved this by repurposing legacy Triple Ejector Rack-9A systems and LAU-131 rocket launchers. These 1970s-era components were salvaged from long-term storage and modified for modern use. This approach avoided the delays of new hardware development and allowed the test team to proceed with live integration under an expedited schedule.

Equally critical was the creation of a digital interface that allowed the AGR-20F to communicate with the F-15E's avionics. Prior to this integration, no such interface existed. The solution was based on prior work completed for the F-16, and required the adaptation of both software and wiring architecture. The new connection enabled the rocket to receive in-flight targeting data and respond to laser designation cues provided by the aircraft's targeting pod. This ensured real-time terminal guidance and allowed for accurate engagements across a range of mission profiles.

Flight testing included both land-based and overwater scenarios. The AGR-20F proved effective against mobile and static ground targets simulating unmanned aerial systems and light armor. Maritime testing confirmed the weapon's ability to strike small surface threats, expanding the Strike Eagle’s role in littoral and coastal strike missions. The rocket's lightweight profile and fast time-on-target make it ideal for operations in cluttered or contested airspaces where traditional munitions may be unsuitable due to cost, size, or risk of collateral effects.

With the AGR-20F, the F-15E Strike Eagle gains a tactical capability long absent from its mission set. While originally built for deep-strike and interdiction roles, the aircraft can now engage drones and asymmetric targets during the same sortie, without reconfiguring loadouts or relying on support platforms. This modularity enhances mission flexibility, enabling squadrons to adapt to evolving threats mid-mission while preserving larger precision weapons for high-value targets.

The fielding of the AGR-20F on the F-15E reflects a broader shift in U.S. Air Force munitions strategy. As adversaries increasingly field low-cost drones and fast-moving unconventional systems, the Air Force is prioritizing affordable precision options that can be widely deployed across its legacy and frontline fleets. The AGR-20F offers a low-cost-per-shot solution that extends the lifespan of more expensive munitions and allows aircraft to conduct volume fires against drone swarms or soft-skinned vehicles with surgical accuracy.

This capability is now operational in a combatant command theater, where F-15E units are actively flying with the AGR-20F following the rapid test and integration sprint. The deployment includes not only the rockets but also associated launch systems, targeting procedures, and maintenance support packages. This ensures full operational readiness and provides combat aircrews with immediate access to the new capability under live-fire conditions.

By merging legacy hardware with modern weapons and avionics, the AGR-20F integration demonstrates how adaptability and speed can reshape the tactical landscape. The U.S. F-15E Strike Eagle’s new role in the counter-UAS fight highlights the aircraft’s ongoing relevance in modern warfare and signals the Air Force’s intent to outpace emerging threats with agility and precision.

Written by Alain Servaes – Chief Editor, Army Recognition Group
Alain Servaes is a former non-commissioned officer in infantry units and the founder of Army Recognition Group. With over 20 years of experience in defense journalism, he specializes in military equipment analysis, NATO operations, and global defense industry coverage. His combined military background and editorial leadership have made Army Recognition a key source for defense professionals, armed forces, and industry leaders worldwide.