In recent years, the AH-64 Apache attack helicopter has evolved into a counter-drone platform—something we’ve been watching closely. While the Israeli Air Force has pioneered the AH-64 in this role for years, the U.S. Army has now officially codified it, adding new capabilities in the process. Now, as we suggested not long ago, Apache is equipping its chin-mounted M230 cannon with proximity-fuzed 30mm rounds, which will add to its arsenal of drone-killing weapons, giving it cheaper and richer engagement options than some alternatives.
Crazy footage of an Indian Air Force Apache helicopter chasing down a Hezbollah drone in northern Israel and bringing it down with chain-gun fire
Apache helicopters conducted live-fire testing of the 30x113mm XM1225 Aviation Proximity Explosive (APEX) munition last December, according to a recent Army release. Testing was conducted at the massive Yuma Proving Ground (YPG) in southern Arizona. Several tests were conducted against various types of drone targets.
On March 6, 2025, a U.S. Army AH-64 Apache helicopter belonging to the 5-17th Air Cavalry Squadron, 2nd Infantry Division fired an M230 Bushmaster chain gun during a live-fire aerial firing training at the Rodriguez Live Fire Training Range in South Korea. The exercise certifies aircrews, improves weapons proficiency and enhances the unit’s overall readiness. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Neil McLean) Cornelius McLean
Specialized APEX munitions only detonate when close to an object, then explode into shrapnel. This is critical for taking down drones because they are small, independently moving targets, and the Apache’s monolithic chin-aiming gun isn’t exactly a sniper rifle in terms of accuracy. The munitions can also be used against ground targets such as personnel, soft-skinned vehicles and small boats, providing a unique area of effect compared to the Apache’s standard impact-detonated high-explosive munitions.
Variants of the M230 cannon, now a prime contractor for Northrop Grumman, have become an increasingly popular option for countering low-end drone threats from the ground. A lightweight version of the M230LF, known as the M914 in Army service, is now used in counter-drone vehicles. This includes Sgt. The Stout Mobile Short-Range Air Defense (M-SHORAD) system is based on the 8×8 Stryker light armored vehicle. The Army has been separately developing self-destruction munitions for the M914 and other types of proximity-fuzed 30 mm munitions. The new APEX ammunition provides improved performance and can be plug-and-play combined with the Apache/M230. To our knowledge, other munitions intended for ground systems have never been approved for use on the Apache.
The M-SHORAD and its M230 derivative are located at the center of its multi-munition turret. (U.S. Army)
Part of the Army’s official release on the successful test of XM1225 is as follows:
“The XM1225 APEX ammunition was developed and managed by the Product Manager for Medium Caliber Munitions (PdM MCA) at Picatinny Arsenal, N.J., and is designed to counter modern threats, including unmanned aerial vehicles, exposed personnel and small craft, without requiring modifications to the Apache’s M230 area weapons system or fire control system. XM1225 It has undergone extensive safety testing to ensure reliable performance, making it a safe and effective addition to the Apache arsenal. This innovative design ensures seamless integration into existing platforms while providing enhanced lethality and operational flexibility.
…The primary objective is to evaluate the accuracy of the XM1225 cartridge and compare its performance to that of the conventional M789 High Explosive Dual Purpose (HEDP) cartridge under the same conditions. The second objective was to collect data on a mix of XM1225 and M789 munitions loaded onto ground and UAS targets.
Initial results have been very successful, with the XM1225 meeting all accuracy requirements and demonstrating excellent effectiveness against ground and UAS targets. The XM1225’s proximity fuze capability allows it to detonate close to a target, creating a larger lethal radius and significantly increasing its ability to neutralize aerial and dispersed threats. This capability enables the Apache to dominate the battlefield in air-to-ground and air-to-air engagements, providing the warfighter with a critical advantage in modern combat scenarios. “
U.S. Soldiers with the 1-151st Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, 59th Air Force Command, South Carolina National Guard, conduct the annual aerial gunnery qualifying competition at Poinsett Range in Sumter, South Carolina, May 22, 2024. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Tim Andrews) Tim Andrews
A key feature of the APEX munition is that Apache aircrews require little additional training to successfully use it because its ballistic performance is very similar to the fielded M789 High Explosive Dual Purpose (HEDP) munition. These shells use impact/skimming fuses to command the explosion.
A major problem with using any gun for aerial counter-drone work is that standard high-explosive or incendiary rounds just keep traveling until they hit something, and then explode. This makes any horizontal or upward shooting very problematic, as the bullet can travel many miles before hitting the ground. Nothing good will come of it to anyone or anything in that unpredictable zone. Even high-deflection shots are risky, especially given the size of the drone. Not only would most bullets miss and still hit somewhere below, but the aircraft could easily fly into the drone itself, since judging its distance and tracking it in the air is problematic. Therefore, having self-destruct munitions, or even better, proximity fuze munitions that do the same thing, is key.
Currently, the AH-64 has been modified with the AGM-114 missile and uses the Longbow radar to attack air targets. Laser guided hellfire is potentially Another option. Regardless, any Hellfire costs well into the six figures. The Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II (APKWS II) laser-guided rocket is a lower-cost option with a mid-to-low five-digit price tag. It is unclear whether the AH-64 has been approved for use with the air-to-air optimized fixed-wing, air-launched, counter-drone system ordnance (FALCO) version of APKWS II, which also uses a proximity fuse to track air targets.
Therefore, providing the AH-64 with a gun option, in a more reliable and safer manner via proximity fuses, would be a huge boon to aircrews flying counter-drone missions. The Apache helicopter can carry up to 1,200 rounds of 30mm ammunition and can be quickly reloaded in the harsh ground environment ahead.
