Israel deploys Apache helicopters to intercept drones

2 November, 2024 An AH-64D attack helicopter of the Israeli Air Force. Photo: Israeli Ministry of Defense Israel has deployed AH-64 Apache attack helicopters to intercept Hezbollah drones.

A video of a drone interception attempt was posted online by local residents. The published footage shows an Israeli AH-64 Apache helicopter trying to shoot down a drone using a mounted 30 mm M230 cannon. However, the interception of the drone failed, and the helicopter continued to patrol the area.

It is worth mentioning that Israel has recently been increasing the usage of Apache helicopters to intercept enemy drones.

This is due to both the high cost of missiles and limited stocks in warehouses. The level of effectiveness of the interception of drones by attack helicopters of this type is currently unknown. However, in order to practice such tactics, the US Army conducted relevant exercises in Saudi Arabia with Apache helicopters.

During the exercises, the crews of American Apache helicopters launched Hellfire missiles at the low-speed air targets. The missiles used were AGM-114L missiles equipped with an active homing head that works in conjunction with the helicopter's integrated radar station - AN/APG-78 Longbow. This radar is capable of detecting and tracking some airborne targets, including helicopters at low altitudes.

The exercise confirmed the radar's ability to detect and engage the small drones, which will have a positive impact on the new upgrades to these radars and software.

Earlier, Militarnyi reported that a Ukrainian Mi-24B combat helicopter had destroyed a Russian Shahed-type kamikaze drone with a machine gun.

In order to intercept the enemy drone, the helicopter leveled off in height and speed with the enemy aircraft and destroyed it using the USPU-24 machine gun.