The United States has advanced in the use of proximity ammunition against drones by successfully testing the XM1225 APEX on an AH-64 Apache helicopter.
The live fire took place at the Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona and marked the first time the 30 mm round was employed in an air-to-air scenario. The new ammunition detonates near the target, increasing the lethal radius and reducing the need for direct impact to neutralize UAVs.
The test is part of the Army’s effort to enhance the C-UAS capabilities of the AH-64E V6, which had already demonstrated effectiveness in previous exercises with missiles such as the AGM-179 JAGM and AGM-114 Hellfire II. Unlike the traditional M789 HEDP cartridge, the XM1225 is specifically designed to counter modern threats, including drones, small vessels, and exposed ground targets, without requiring structural modifications to the M230 cannon.
Initial results indicate that the ammunition met precision and performance requirements for both aerial and ground targets. The Army also evaluated the combined use of the XM1225 with conventional ammunition, collecting data that could influence future applications, such as in the Stryker-based M-SHORAD system. The information will be used to accelerate production and the eventual operational release of the round.
Meanwhile, Russia claims to have developed a similar capability on the Ka-52M Alligator helicopter, which reportedly employed a new 30 mm round with airburst detonation against Ukrainian drones. Videos released by pro-Moscow channels show alleged multiple kills with the 2A42 cannon, although there is no independent verification of the use of the new ammunition. The development indicates that both Washington and Moscow are seeking to adapt their attack helicopters to the growing challenge posed by drones on the modern battlefield.
Source: The Aviationist | Photo: X @BoeingDefense | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
“Testing, testing…” US Army AH-64 Apache firing a AGM-114 Helfire Missile against a target truck. pic.twitter.com/hb864Q9WcJ
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