Us Drone Test Ends In Chaos As Alaska Mishaps Expose Unmet Technological Hurdles
The US military’s recent test of small, long-range attack drones at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, …
04. September 2025
Apache Helicopters Prove Deadly Against Rogue Drones
The U.S. Army has successfully demonstrated the ability of its AH-64E Apache helicopters to detect, track, and defeat unmanned aircraft systems, showcasing the attack helicopter’s value as a decisive counter-UAS platform in today’s conflicts where unmanned systems are a dominant factor.
This capability is crucial, offering low-cost, adaptability, and high-volume effects that can degrade threats to U.S. Forces and coalition operations. The demonstration, conducted by Program Manager Apache, Program Manager Tactical Aviation and Ground Munitions, and the Joint Program Executive Office (JPEO) Armaments and Ammunition team responsible for 30mm proximity-fused ammunition, in partnership with the South Carolina Army National Guard, highlighted how Apache’s mobility and firepower enable rapid engagement of UAS threats in contested environments.
The counter-UAS performance demonstrated by Apache aircrews was impressive, executing engagements with multiple armament options. These included the Joint Air-to-Ground Missile (JAGM), HELLFIRE variants, Hydra-70 Guided Rocket with an Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) guidance section, and 30mm rounds. All missile systems successfully destroyed their targets, while the Hydra-70 Guided Rocket with APKWS achieved three of four target kills, and 30mm rounds neutralized designated aerial threats.
These results confirmed that Apache can deliver persistent, flexible, and cost-effective options to defeat UAS threats. Each demonstrated munition offered tradeoffs in range, collateral risk, and engagement tempo to provide commanders scalable solutions that are dynamic to mission requirements. The use of multiple armament options provided a versatile toolkit for aircrews to address different C-UAS challenges.
One key advantage of using Apache helicopters as a counter-UAS platform is their mobility. By leveraging this capability, commanders can deploy rapidly into threatened areas to detect targets that may be masked from static detection systems. This allows Apache aircrews to engage targets across three dimensions of battlespace, providing early warning and situational awareness via modern sensors and networked systems for battlefield situational awareness sharing.
The demonstration also highlighted the importance of data sharing across networks like Link 16, which enables commanders to share information in real-time, enhancing their ability to detect and respond to UAS threats. This capability is critical in modern combat scenarios where speed and adaptability are essential.
Leadership Perspective
“We demonstrated that the Apache remains a vital asset in modern combat scenarios,” said Chief Warrant Officer 5 Daniel York. “This effort ensures that our attack helicopter continues to be relevant and effective in the face of evolving UAS threats.”
The demonstration was also praised by LTC Cusack, product manager for HELLFIRE and JAGM, who noted that “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.”
However, Cusack also emphasized that 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,” he added, highlighting the need for continued investment in this area.
The Apache’s successful demonstration confirms its role as a rapid, persistent, and economical C-UAS solution, giving ground commanders another decisive tool to protect forces, deny adversaries airspace, and dominate across domains. As UAS threats continue to evolve, it is essential that the Army invests in C-UAS capabilities, including Apache helicopters, to ensure that our military remains effective and adaptable.
In addition to its demonstrated capabilities, Apache also offers a range of benefits, including reduced collateral damage, improved situational awareness, and enhanced command and control. By leveraging these advantages, commanders can make more informed decisions about when to engage UAS threats and how to do so effectively.
The use of Apache helicopters as a counter-UAS platform is critical in addressing the growing threat posed by unmanned systems. These systems are inherently difficult to detect and destroy, requiring specialized capabilities to address. By leveraging Apache’s advanced sensors, networked systems, and armament options, commanders can gain a significant advantage on the battlefield.
The demonstration of Apache’s C-UAS capabilities highlights the importance of this capability in modern combat scenarios. As UAS threats continue to evolve, it is essential that we invest in C-UAS capabilities, including Apache helicopters, to ensure that our military remains effective and adaptable.