The search for solutions against the increasing cruise missile threats is also expanding. As part of these efforts, the US Air Force carried out a new weapon test.

In testing activities conducted in December 2019, an F-16C Fighting Falcon of the USn Air Force intercepted a high-speed target drone simulating cruise missile. AN/AAQ-33 Sniper targeting pod was used in tests with the laser-guided AGR-20A APKWS (Advanced Precision Kill System). It is unclear whether any changes were made or not to the rocket's guidance, fuse or warhead for the test that APKWS destroyed the BQM-167 drone.

The US's opinion is APKWS systems can be a cost effective solution for the interception of high speed conventional targets, especially cruise missiles.