What Happened
Apache Helicopter Demonstrates Expanded Capabilities in Warfighting Experiment
The US Army has successfully launched a drone from an AH-64E Apache attack helicopter for the first time, demonstrating the helicopter’s expanded capabilities. The test, which took place at Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona, on February 26, 2026, involved the launch of an Anduril Industries Altius 700 medium-range launched effect. The Altius 700 has a range of up to 460 kilometers and an endurance of roughly four hours, and its modular payload architecture supports various missions. The demonstration is part of a broader effort to sustain the Apache’s relevance, as senior US Army leaders have questioned its survivability in dense air defense environments. This development was first reported by AeroTime.