February 16, 2026 at 8:29 PM
AH-64 Apache Is Getting Proximity Fuzed 30mm Cannon Ammo For Swatting Down Drones
The XM1225 APEX ammo will offer another arrow in the Apache's growing anti-drone quiver. The post AH-64 Apache Is Getting Proximity Fuzed 30mm Cannon Ammo For Swatting Down Drones appeared first on The War Zone .
The AH-64 Apache attack helicopter has evolved into a counter-drone platform in recent years — something we have been following closely. While the Israeli Air Force had pioneered this role for the AH-64 for years, the U.S. Army has now formally codified it and added new capabilities in the process.
Now, as we had suggested some time ago, the Apache is getting proximity-fuzed 30mm cannon shells for its chin-mounted M230 cannon that will add to its drone-killing arsenal, giving it a cheaper and more plentiful engagement option than some of the alternatives. CRAZY footage of an IAF Apache helicopter chasing down a Hezbollah drone over northern Israel and downing it with cannon fire from its chaingun👇 pic.twitter.com/8vdks0PYL4— Raylan Givens (@JewishWarrior13) November 2, 2024 Apaches live-fire tested the 30x113mm XM1225 Aviation Proximity Explosive (APEX) ammo last December, according to a recent Army release. The trials occurred at the service’s sprawling Yuma Proving Ground (YPG) in southern Arizona.