The U.S. Army’s AH-64E Apache attack helicopter has demonstrated new counter-drone capabilities during Operation Flyswatter, a live-fire event held at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, the service announced.
The exercise, run by the Apache Project Management Office (PM Apache), brought together Army units, the South Carolina Army National Guard, the Marine Corps, the Navy and industry partners to test how the Apache’s Version 6 software and weapons suite performs against small and mid-size drones.
High success rate in live engagements
South Carolina Army National Guard aircrews executed multiple detection and engagement scenarios, scoring 13 kills in 14 engagements, according to Chief Warrant Officer 5 Daniel York, PM Apache’s New Equipment Training Team Manager.
York said the results show that the Apache, using its current software and weapons, “is a lethal and adaptable solution to the drone threat,” capable of engaging both small and larger UAS with a range of munitions.
CW5 Joel Gooch, State Standardization Pilot, described the exercise as “an overwhelming success,” noting that Apache crews engaged drones using the platform’s radar and electro-optical/infrared sensors alongside laser-guided missiles, laser-guided rockets and the 30mm cannon.
Gooch said the event reinforced the Apache’s ability to operate as a mobile air-defense platform, particularly with its Link-16 data-sharing integration, which shortens detection-to-engagement timelines.
Weapons used in the exercise
During Operation Flyswatter, Apache crews employed:
- Joint Air-to-Ground Missiles (JAGM) guided by the Fire Control Radar.
- Hellfire missiles (RF and Semi-Active Laser III variants).
- Hydra-70 rockets with Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) guidance, with three of four targets hit, supported by “buddy-lase” tactics.
- 30mm M789 high-explosive rounds, achieving kills at ranges under 300 meters.
The event also validated the aircraft’s ability to operate in poor weather and at low altitude, where ground-based systems may be less effective.
Officials said lessons from the exercise will influence future tactics, techniques and procedures for Army aviation. Recommendations include adding a counter-UAS Mission Essential Task for Apache battalions and updating the AH-64 Aircrew Training Manual to include aerial counter-UAS operations.
Gooch credited the Marine Corps and MAWTS-1 instructors for their support, highlighting the value of joint service collaboration in preparing for a rapidly evolving drone threat.
Growing role for Apaches in counter-drone missions
York said the demonstration confirms the Apache’s continued relevance as militaries field and encounter increasingly capable UAS.
“As UAS threats proliferate, Apache crews are proving they can meet the challenge,” he said, calling the platform a “vital combat asset” for future operations.
The Army is expected to continue refining the Apache’s counter-drone mission as part of broader efforts to adapt aviation units for emerging threats.
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