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Apaches test APEX 30mm proximity rounds, use airburst shrapnel to down drones in air‑to‑air trials

AH‑64 Apache crews test‑fired APEX 30mm proximity‑fuzed rounds in air‑to‑air trials, using airburst shrapnel effects to engage and destroy unmanned aerial systems at multiple ranges. Live‑fire testing produced successful drone shoot‑downs, validating the 30mm APEX munition as a counter‑UAS option for attack helicopters.

Discovered 2026-02-18T03:40:37.318659-08:00 | 2026-02-18T03:40:37.318659-08:00

Briefing

What Hype is tracking

Demonstrates a 30mm airburst/proximity counter‑UAS effect in live fire trials, reinforcing the Apache’s role in direct drone engagement and kinetic C‑UAS tactics (Yuma trials).
Adds a weapon‑level option that complements other low‑cost air‑to‑air counter‑UAS efforts, such as scaled APKWS II rocket adaptations (APKWS scaling).
Builds on recent networked Apache counter‑drone doctrine validated in large exercises, potentially speeding operational integration of proximity‑fuzed 30mm rounds (Operation Flyswatter).

Reported By

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