In the Middle East, the U.S. Army deployed its AH-64 Apache helicopters to practice shooting down unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) during the recent “Red Sands Exercise” held in Saudi Arabia. This counter-drone exercise reflects a significant shift in military tactics, as drones have become a central tool in asymmetric warfare in the region.
Last month, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) released video footage showing an AH-64D Longbow Apache successfully engaging and destroying a drone using an AGM-114 Hellfire missile. The footage was part of a broader training exercise aimed at enhancing the U.S. military’s ability to neutralize the increasing drone threat posed by regional militias and other hostile forces.
This exercise, known as the “Red Sands Exercise,” is part of a series of drills that focus on trialing and deploying counter-drone technologies. The third iteration of the event, conducted at the Red Sands Integrated Experimentation Center (IEC) in the CENTCOM Area of Responsibility (AOR), highlighted the evolving strategies the U.S. and its regional partners are developing to address drone-related challenges.
The Growing Drone Threat in the Middle East
In recent years, the Middle East has seen a surge in the use of inexpensive, expendable drones by non-state actors and militias to attack high-value targets, ranging from oil infrastructure to military installations. One of the most notable examples is the ongoing drone strikes launched by the Houthi militia, based in Yemen, against Western-origin ships and Saudi Arabian refineries. These drones, often deployed in swarms, pose a unique challenge to traditional air defense systems.
The proliferation of low-cost drones has introduced a new dimension to warfare, making it easier for groups with limited resources to conduct sophisticated attacks. In this context, the U.S. Army’s decision to utilize the AH-64 Apache, a battle-proven platform, to engage drones signals a broader effort to adapt to this emerging threat.
While the AH-64 Apache helicopter is primarily known as a formidable attack platform, capable of close air support and tank-busting missions, the Red Sands Exercise revealed its potential as an effective air defense tool, particularly against UAVs. In this exercise, Apache helicopters were seen utilizing their advanced targeting systems to track and engage drones with AGM-114 Hellfire missiles. Though CENTCOM did not specify the variant of the missile used, it is widely believed to be the AGM-114L Hellfire, known for its precision and all-weather capability.
The AGM-114L is equipped with an inertial navigation system, a millimeter-wave (MMW) radar seeker, and fire-and-forget technology, making it an ideal weapon for taking down small, fast-moving aerial targets like drones. The pairing of the AH-64 Apache with this missile turns the helicopter into a highly destructive force against unmanned threats.
The use of Apaches in an air defense role marks a shift in U.S. Army doctrine, suggesting that helicopters may increasingly be relied upon to intercept drones in a combat zone. The helicopter’s agility and ability to quickly deploy to the frontlines make it a more flexible solution compared to ground-based air defense systems.
The timing and location of the Red Sands Exercise are particularly significant. Saudi Arabia has been the target of numerous drone attacks in recent years, most notably from the Houthi rebel group in Yemen. These drones have not only targeted key infrastructure but have also posed a threat to civilian and military assets across the region.
The drone strikes on Saudi Arabian refineries in 2019, which temporarily crippled a significant portion of the kingdom’s oil production, underscored the vulnerabilities that even a well-equipped nation can face when confronted with drone attacks. The Red Sea, an essential artery for global trade, has also been a frequent target of Houthi drone attacks on shipping vessels. This situation necessitates new and adaptive strategies, such as the ones tested during the Red Sands Exercise.
The U.S. Army is not alone in exploring the potential of helicopters in counter-drone operations. In April 2024, a French NH-90 helicopter reportedly shot down a Houthi drone over the Red Sea in what was a rare instance of air-to-air combat between a helicopter and a UAV. While no details were provided on the weapon system used, the event highlighted the increasing role of helicopters in drone warfare.
Israel has also been at the forefront of using helicopters, particularly the AH-64 Apache, in counter-drone operations. In August 2024, an Israeli Apache intercepted a Hezbollah drone near the country’s northern border. Additionally, Israeli helicopters have been involved in shooting down drones near the Syrian border, demonstrating the versatility of the Apache in combating UAVs.
Even in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, helicopters have been used to target drones. Ukrainian forces have employed Mi-8 Hip helicopters, armed with machine guns, to intercept Russian one-way attack drones. This differs from the U.S. Army’s approach, which relies on precision missiles like the Hellfire, but the trend points to a broader use of helicopters in counter-drone roles.
Why Helicopters? A Tactical Advantage
Deploying helicopters to engage drones offers several advantages over traditional ground-based air defense systems. Helicopters like the AH-64 Apache can rapidly take off and engage incoming threats, providing flexibility in fast-changing combat environments. Additionally, they can operate at low altitudes, often beneath enemy radar, giving them the element of surprise.
The Apache’s radar system, particularly the AN/APG-78 Longbow Fire Control Radar (FCR), is designed to detect low-flying targets amidst ground clutter. This capability makes the helicopter particularly effective against drones, which often fly close to the ground to evade detection. The Apache can track and process multiple targets simultaneously, making it well-suited to engage drone swarms—a tactic increasingly employed by hostile forces.
Moreover, the Apache’s agility allows it to reposition quickly to engage multiple drones in different areas. This makes it a valuable asset in combat zones saturated with UAVs, where fixed air defense systems might struggle to respond in time. The Apache’s role can extend beyond shooting down drones; it can also escort other vulnerable aircraft and support ground forces in counter-drone operations.
U.S. Counter-Drone Strategy
The Red Sands Exercise is part of a broader U.S. strategy to develop and refine counter-drone tactics. With drones becoming a central feature of modern warfare, the U.S. military is investing heavily in research and development to stay ahead of the threat. In addition to deploying helicopters like the Apache, the U.S. is exploring the use of electronic warfare systems, directed energy weapons, and other emerging technologies to neutralize UAVs.
In the Middle East, where drones have become a preferred weapon for non-state actors, these efforts are particularly crucial. The Red Sands Exercise not only strengthens the U.S. Army’s counter-drone capabilities but also serves as a model for regional allies, including Saudi Arabia, which operates its own fleet of AH-64 Apache helicopters.
As drones continue to proliferate across conflict zones worldwide, the role of helicopters in counter-drone warfare is likely to expand. The success of the AH-64 Apache in the Red Sands Exercise demonstrates that helicopters can play a pivotal role in defending against UAVs, particularly in regions where drone attacks are a constant threat.
For the U.S. and its allies, the ability to neutralize drones quickly and effectively will be a key factor in maintaining air superiority in future conflicts. As the Middle East remains a hotspot for drone warfare, exercises like Red Sands will be essential in refining tactics and ensuring that military forces are prepared to counter this evolving threat.
The U.S. Army’s use of the Apache in counter-drone operations represents just one facet of a broader strategy to address the growing challenge posed by UAVs. With the battlefield continually evolving, helicopters like the AH-64 Apache may soon become a standard tool in counter-drone operations worldwide.
