Apache’s New 30mm Proximity Ammunition

April 1, 2026

U.S. Army
Picatinny Arsenal, NJ
www.army.mil

The Apache Attack Helicopter AH-64 has reached a new milestone in battlefield capability with the successful live fire test of the 30x113mm XM1225 Aviation Proximity Explosive (APEX) ammunition at Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona. In December 2025, the Apache demonstrated its first-ever air-to-air engagement using 30mm proximity ammunition against unmanned aircraft systems targets at various ranges, showcasing the precision, versatility, and lethality of this advanced ammunition.

Developed and managed by Product Manager Medium Caliber Ammunition, PdM MCA, from Picatinny Arsenal, the XM1225 APEX cartridge is designed to counter modern threats, including UAS, exposed personnel and small boats, without requiring modifications to the Apache’s M230 Area Weapon System or fire control system. The XM1225 has undergone extensive safety testing to ensure reliable performance, making it a safe and effective addition to the Apache’s arsenal.

Testing was performed at the U.S. Army’s Yuma Test Center. The primary objective was to evaluate the XM1225 cartridge’s accuracy and compare its performance to the legacy M789 High Explosive Dual Purpose cartridge under identical conditions. A secondary objective was to collect data on mixed loads of XM1225 and M789 rounds against both ground and UAS targets.

Initial results were highly successful, with the XM1225 meeting all accuracy requirements and demonstrating exceptional effectiveness against both ground and UAS targets. The proximity-fuzed capability of the XM1225 allows it to detonate near the target, creating a larger lethal radius and significantly improving its ability to neutralize airborne and dispersed threats.

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