US Military Equips Apaches to Hunt Drones

Military technology has always been a game of escalation. One side develops a new weapon, and the other responds with a countermeasure. This cycle is currently centered around Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), or drones, and the weapons designed to neutralize them. Ukraine is working on a compact laser that can be stored in a car trunk, while the U.S. is taking a different approach by transforming a well-known helicopter into a long-range anti-drone system.

In December 2025, the U.S. Army conducted a live test using an AH-64 Apache Attack Helicopter to evaluate the effectiveness of the 30x113mm XM1225 Aviation Proximity Explosive (APEX) ammunition. This type of weapon is designed to detonate near its target, creating a wide radius of shrapnel that can hit multiple smaller targets at once. The XM1225 APEX is particularly useful against swarms of drones, which could otherwise overwhelm the defenses of aircraft carriers. Additionally, the XM1225 APEX is already compatible with the Apache's M230 Area Weapon System, making it easy to integrate into existing military operations.

The primary goal of the test was to demonstrate the XM1225 APEX’s "precision, versatility, and lethality" against various drone targets at different ranges. However, the test also aimed to compare the XM1225 APEX with another similar weapon, the M789 High Explosive Dual Purpose (HEDP) cartridge. The results showed that the APEX not only hit its targets but also produced a larger "burst radius" than the HEDP.

Boeing's AH-64 Apache has been a staple of the U.S. Army since 1984. Over the years, it has been equipped with a variety of weapons, many of which have proven effective against drones. So why would the Apache need a new weapon specifically for drone suppression? The answer lies in the capabilities of the XM1225 APEX. While it may not be designed solely for drones, it has the potential to outperform the M780 HEDP in several key areas. The APEX can increase the vulnerability of soft-skinned ground and aerial targets, making it a versatile tool for a range of threats beyond just drones.

This raises an important question: Why use the AH-64 Apache for this purpose? According to sources like Military.com, the Apache already has a suite of features that make it well-suited for drone detection and destruction. Its speed, advanced radar systems, and ability to switch between different weapons make it a formidable platform. If the Apache could be equipped with DARPA's high-pulse microwave drone fryer—ideally in a more compact form—the helicopter could become a highly effective anti-drone system.

The U.S. Army is continuously looking for ways to enhance its capabilities. The development of the XM1225 APEX is just one example of how military technology is evolving to meet new challenges. As drone threats become more sophisticated, so too must the tools used to combat them.

• The XM1225 APEX is designed to detonate near its target, creating a wide area of effect.
• It is compatible with the Apache's existing M230 Area Weapon System, allowing for quick deployment.
• The APEX outperformed the M789 HEDP in terms of burst radius during testing.
• The Apache is already equipped with features that make it suitable for drone detection and destruction.
• Future upgrades, such as integrating a high-pulse microwave drone fryer, could further enhance the Apache's capabilities.

As the arms race continues, the U.S. Army remains committed to developing innovative solutions to stay ahead of emerging threats. The integration of the XM1225 APEX into the Apache's arsenal is a clear indication of this commitment.

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