The APKWS II is a design conversion of an unguided Hydra 2.75-inch rocket with a laser guidance kit to give it precision-kill capability. It is intended as an inexpensive way to destroy targets while limiting collateral damage in close combat. The APKWS II guidance section is threaded between the legacy 10-pound high-explosive warhead and Mk66 Mod 4 rocket motor. Production began in 2011 and Initial Operational Capability (IOC) was declared in 2012 on AH-1W and UH-1Y helicopters.  In March 2014, APKWS II was successfully integrated onto MH-60S and MH-60R.  In 2016, APKWS II was fielded on the AV-8B, F-16 and A-10 aircraft.

The AARGM mission is Suppression and/or Destruction of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD/DEAD). Its primary targets are re-locatable Integrated Air Defense (IAD) targets and targets that utilize shutdown tactics. AARGM counters enemy shutdown capability through the use of a multi-mode seeker.