Counter-drone defence from the air: US Army tests APEX ammunition for the Apache attack helicopter

The US Army is upgrading its AH-64 Apache attack helicopter for counter-drone defence: at Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona, the new 30×113 millimetre XM1225 APEX (Aviation Proximity Explosive) ammunition was recently tested successfully in live fire for the first time. Using the proximity round, an Apache engaged unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) air-to-air for the first time and hit targets at different ranges.

The XM1225 APEX was developed by Product Manager Medium Caliber Ammunition (PdM MCA) at Picatinny Arsenal. It is to defeat threats such as drones, exposed infantry or small boats without any changes to the Apache's M230 gun system or fire control system. Extensive safety tests are to ensure reliable and safe use.

Proximity fuze expands counter-drone capability

At the heart of the ammunition is a proximity fuze that detonates the projectile right at the target. Compared with the previous M789 HEDP (High Explosive Dual Purpose), this significantly enlarges the lethal area. Above all against small, agile or airborne targets such as drones, the probability of a hit rises significantly.

The tests were primarily intended to show how accurate the XM1225 is and to compare its performance directly with that of the previous M789 under identical conditions. Mixed ammunition loads against ground and aerial targets were also tested.

According to the US Army, the XM1225 met all accuracy requirements and proved highly effective against both aerial and ground targets. The Apache thus gains an additional capability for air-to-air and air-to-ground missions – an advantage not to be underestimated given the rapid spread of unmanned systems on the battlefield.

Another advantage is that the new ammunition behaves ballistically much like the previous HEDP ammunition. The training system therefore does not need significant adjustment, and no additional training is required for pilots or maintenance personnel.

The proximity fuze technology was developed by the Armaments Center together with PdM MCA. Northrop Grumman is supporting production preparation and accelerated delivery under an “Urgent Materiel Release”.