February 19, 2026, 6:04 pm
The US Army has conducted a live-fire demonstration involving the AH-64 Apache attack helicopter using the new 30×113mm XM1225 Aviation Proximity Explosive (APEX) round as part of efforts to improve defenses against unmanned aerial threats.
During the evaluation, the Apache engaged airborne targets at multiple distances to assess the munition’s performance envelope. Test results underscored the round’s precision, adaptability, and lethality when used against drones, marking a notable step forward in enhancing rotary-wing counter-UAS capabilities.
The AH-64 successfully completed the key live-fire event at Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona. The helicopter performed its first documented air-to-air engagements using proximity-fused 30mm ammunition against unmanned aircraft systems at varying ranges. The trials demonstrated the round’s ability to maintain accuracy and effectiveness across different engagement scenarios.
In this video, Defense Updates analyzes how AH-64 Apache is being turned into drone killer with ‘XM1225 APEX’ round ?
#defenseupdates #ah64apache #usmilitary
Chapters:
0:00 TITLE
00:11 INTRODUCTION
01:28 SPONSORSHIP – NordVPN
02:02 NEED FOR COST EFFECTIVE ANTI DRONE SOLUTION
03:23 APACHE AMMUNITION MODERNIZATION
05:08 EXPANDED COUNTER-DRONE LETHALITY
06:59 ANALYSIS
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