Apache aircrews executed engagements using the Joint Air-to-Ground Missile, HELLFIRE variants, the Hydra-70 Guided Rocket with an Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System guidance section, and 30mm rounds. All missile systems destroyed their targets, the Hydra-70 Guided Rocket with APKWS achieved three of four target kills, and 30mm rounds neutralised designated aerial threats.
These results confirmed that Apache can provide persistent, flexible, and cost-effective options to defeat UAS threats. Each munition demonstrated offers trade-offs in range, collateral risk, and engagement tempo, giving commanders scalable solutions suited to mission requirements.
Unmanned systems remain a dominant factor in modern conflicts, being low-cost, adaptable, and capable of producing lethal, high-volume effects that threaten U.S. forces and degrade coalition protection and offensive operations. Existing ground-based counter-UAS systems are limited in number, creating exploitable gaps that Apache helicopters can address through mobility, rapid deployment, and advanced sensor integration.
“This was about validating our capabilities and ensuring the Apache remains a vital asset in modern combat scenarios,” said Chief Warrant Officer 5 Daniel York. “We demonstrated that the Apache continues to be relevant and effective in the face of evolving UAS threats.”
“PM Apache’s demonstration further confirms what Army Aviators have known for years: an Apache Attack Helicopter with trained and equipped Aircrews is the most adaptable weapon system on modern battlefields,” said LTC Cusack, product manager for HELLFIRE and JAGM. “The limiting factor remains how much the Army can invest into aircrew training and munition integration to reduce crew workload. Apache Aircrews will find a way to provide decision space and early warning for ground commanders and defeat the threats that attempt to disrupt US Military operations,” he added.
The Army said the Apache’s successful demonstration confirms its role as a rapid, persistent, and economical counter-UAS solution. The platform provides ground commanders with a decisive tool to protect forces, deny adversaries airspace, and dominate across domains.
