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last mo.

Army Validates Proximity-Fuzed 30mm Round for Apaches, Speeds Path to Fielding

The move gives crews a lower-cost counter-drone option that leverages existing guns without aircraft changes.

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Apache attack helicopter’s new 30mm proximity ammunition testing in progress.
A soldier with the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade works on an AH-64 Apache helicopter.

Overview

  • December live-fire trials at Yuma Proving Ground verified that the 30x113mm XM1225 APEX airburst round meets accuracy goals and is highly effective against multiple drone types.
  • The proximity fuze detonates the round near a target to shower fragments, which the Army says proved especially effective for air-to-air engagements.
  • The cartridge integrates with the Apache’s M230 gun and fire-control system without hardware modifications and has completed extensive safety testing.
  • Testing also assessed mixed loads with legacy M789 HEDP rounds, and similar ballistics mean little additional training for pilots and maintainers.
  • The Army says the program is accelerating toward urgent fielding, offering an affordable, high-capacity alternative to missiles and rockets for drones and providing area effects against soft surface targets.