The US Army has live-tested an AH-64 Apache attack helicopter firing the 30×113mm XM1225 Aviation Proximity Explosive (APEX) round to counter drones.
During the trial, the helicopter engaged air-to-air targets at varying ranges. The test highlighted the munition’s accuracy, versatility, and effectiveness against aerial threats, advancing rotary-wing counter-drone capability.
The Apache, primarily designed for anti-armor missions using weapons such as the Joint Air-to-Ground Missile and Hellfire variants, also employs its M230 Chain Gun for engagements against light armor and personnel.
Recently, US Army soldiers evaluated a heavy-lift cargo drone at Fort Stewart, Georgia, as the service considers expanding autonomous resupply capabilities to frontline units.
Apache ammo upgrade
The AH-64 Apache attack helicopter completed a successful live-fire test at Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona.
In December 2025, the Apache carried out its first air-to-air engagement using 30mm proximity-fused ammunition against unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) at different distances. The test showed the round’s accuracy, flexibility, and effectiveness against aerial targets.
The XM1225 APEX round was developed by Product Manager Medium Caliber Ammunition at Picatinny Arsenal, New Jersey. It is designed to defeat modern threats such as drones, exposed personnel, and small boats.
Importantly, it can be used without any changes to the Apache’s M230 Area Weapon System or its fire control system, allowing easy integration into existing aircraft.
According to the US Army, the ammunition has undergone extensive safety testing to ensure reliable performance. During the trial, the main goal was to measure the XM1225’s accuracy and compare it with the older M789 High Explosive Dual Purpose round under the same conditions.
A secondary goal was to gather data on firing mixed loads of XM1225 and M789 rounds against both ground and drone targets.
Counter-drone firepower
Initial test results showed the XM1225 met all accuracy requirements and proved highly effective against both ground targets and unmanned aircraft systems.
The US Army claims its proximity fuze allows the round to detonate near a target rather than on direct impact, creating a wider lethal radius. This increases its ability to defeat airborne threats and dispersed ground targets, improving overall battlefield effectiveness. The capability enhances the Apache’s performance in both air-to-ground and air-to-air engagements, strengthening its role in modern combat operations.
Test officials noted that the proximity fuze can significantly increase the vulnerability of lightly protected ground and aerial targets, provided they can be properly detected, identified, and tracked. The round’s effectiveness depends on accurate targeting, but it offers expanded engagement options once those conditions are met.
The XM1225 APEX round also maintains similar ballistic characteristics to the currently fielded M789 High Explosive Dual Purpose round. This similarity allows it to be integrated into existing platforms without major adjustments. As a result, the new ammunition adds greater lethality to the Apache without requiring significant additional training for pilots or maintenance personnel.
“Designed to counter emerging threats with unmatched precision and lethality, the XM1225 adds a new capability to the arsenal of 30mm proximity ammunition, giving the Apache Attack Helicopter another lethal option to hunt and defeat modernized threats,” said the US Army in a statement.