Jordan is to deploy BAE Systems' Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System laser-guided rocket on its aerial gunships, BAE Systems announced.

Deployment of the weapon comes as a result of Jordan and the U.S. Navy signing a Letter of Offer and Acceptance for the laser-guided APKWS under the U.S. Foreign Military Sales program.

"We're pleased that the Jordanian armed forces will be the first international customer of our APKWS rocket," said David Harrold, director of precision guidance solutions at BAE Systems. "As part of this sale, we'll deliver an advanced, highly-accurate weapon system to help strengthen the Kingdom's military.

"Through the Foreign Military Sale process, the APKWS rocket can provide precision strike capabilities to Jordan and other military allies that would benefit from an affordable, proven, low-risk laser-guided rocket system currently in the U.S. inventory."

The APKWS 2.75-inch rocket uses semi-active laser guidance technology to strike soft and lightly armored targets in confined areas. BAE Systems said it is one-third the weight of other laser-guided weapons and fills the gap between unguided small diameter rockets, such as the Hydra, and anti-armor missiles in larger diameters through the use of a mid-body kit.

A delivery schedule for the APKWS rockets was not disclosed.