The United States Army has completed a live-fire demonstration involving an AH-64 Apache helicopter firing a newly developed proximity-fused munition aimed at countering the expanding threat from unmanned aircraft systems.
In the test event, the aircraft engaged airborne targets using the 30×113mm XM1225 Aviation Proximity Explosive round across varying ranges. Results showcased the munition’s accuracy, operational flexibility, and lethality, strengthening the Apache’s counter-UAS capabilities.
While the Apache is primarily tasked with anti-armor missions — utilizing weapons such as the Joint Air-to-Ground Missile and Hellfire — it also depends on its M230 Chain Gun for engagements against light armored assets and troop formations. The gun’s standard ammunition, the M789 HEDP round, combines penetration and fragmentation effects.
The principal objective of the trial was to measure the XM1225’s accuracy and benchmark its performance against the legacy HEDP round under identical conditions. Additionally, evaluators collected data from mixed ammunition loads — integrating both XM1225 and M789 rounds — against ground targets and UAS threats.
According to preliminary assessments, the XM1225 satisfied all accuracy criteria and demonstrated strong performance against both air and surface threats, underscoring its potential to enhance the Apache’s combat adaptability in increasingly complex operational environments.
Expanding Operational Flexibility
The proximity-fuse feature allows the XM1225 to detonate near its target, increasing the lethal radius and improving engagement effectiveness against airborne and dispersed threats. This innovation enables the Apache to conduct both traditional air-to-ground missions and limited air-to-air engagements.
Managed by the Product Manager Medium Caliber Ammunition at Picatinny Arsenal, the XM1225 requires no modifications to the Apache’s M230 Area Weapon System, ensuring rapid integration across existing fleets.
The munition has undergone rigorous safety and reliability validation to ensure consistent operational performance. In addition to counter-UAS missions, it is capable of neutralizing exposed personnel and small maritime threats such as fast attack boats.
The proximity-fuse technology was engineered by the DEVCOM Armaments Center, which worked closely with Northrop Grumman to facilitate production setup, shorten delivery timelines, and expedite fielding through an Urgent Materiel Release.
