Counter-drone defence from the helicopter: UAE hunts Shahed drones with AH-64 Apache

To defend against unmanned systems, defenders are currently turning to almost every available means. In the war in Ukraine, the use of attack helicopters for counter-drone defence has already proved particularly effective. In the war with Iran, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are now also using this concept: their AH-64 Apaches are specifically hunting Iranian Shahed-136 drones.

Several successful interceptions can be seen in a video released by the UAE Ministry of Defence: in it, Apache attack helicopters engage and destroy incoming drones.

The UAE has operated Apache helicopters since the early 1990s. A total of 30 AH-64As were delivered from 30 October 1993; they were later upgraded first to the AH-64D standard and finally to the modern AH-64E Guardian. Their armament includes a 30-millimetre M230 cannon, AGM-114 Hellfire guided missiles and 70-millimetre rockets. Boeing handed over the first AH-64E for the UAE in August 2023.

US Army tests Apache ammunition for counter-drone defence

For the US Army, too, the Apache's capabilities against drones are gaining importance. At Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona, the new 30×113-millimetre XM1225 APEX (Aviation Proximity Explosive) ammunition was recently live-fire tested for the first time. For the first time, an Apache successfully engaged unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) air-to-air with proximity ammunition, hitting targets at various ranges.

The XM1225 APEX was developed by the Product Manager Medium Caliber Ammunition (PdM MCA) at Picatinny Arsenal. The ammunition is intended for use against drones, exposed infantry or small boats; it requires no changes to the Apache's M230 cannon system or fire control system. Extensive safety and functional tests are to ensure that it is reliably operational in service.