The U.S. Army is exploring new tactics to counter the growing threat posed by drones on modern battlefields, conducting training exercises aimed at adapting legacy aircraft for drone interdiction. This month, pilots from the 2-159th Attack Battalion, known as the Gunslingers, took part in a series of operations in Germany to evaluate the effectiveness of the Apache attack helicopter against unmanned aerial vehicles.

The training, held at the Grafenwöhr training center near Nuremberg, involved Apaches maneuvering to intercept and engage Outlaw drones—propeller-driven unmanned aircraft with wingspans near 11 feet. These drones are comparable in size to Iranian and Russian Shahed models, which have become notable for their low cost, relative simplicity, and significant battlefield impact. Shahed drones, in particular, have been responsible for a substantial portion of American casualties in conflicts involving Iran.

Historically, the Apache’s primary mission centered on targeting armored vehicles and tanks. However, the rise of drones as dominant weapons platforms, especially evidenced in recent fights such as the conflict in Ukraine, has forced a reassessment of the helicopter’s role. Drones have rendered traditional targets increasingly scarce and introduced new risks to helicopter crews themselves. In June, an Apache was reportedly shot down over the Strait of Hormuz by a Shahed drone, highlighting the vulnerability of even advanced aircraft to these unmanned systems.

During the Skyfall 2 exercise, pilots practiced defensive and offensive maneuvers tailored to drone engagement. The Outlaw targets were operated remotely, mimicking the behavior and flight profiles of adversary drones. Observers described the interaction between helicopter and drone as a challenging, energy-intensive pursuit distinct from conventional air-to-ground engagements.

The efficacy of drones has been particularly visible in the ongoing war in Ukraine, where unmanned systems have diminished the utility of tanks, armored vehicles, and even naval assets such as Russia’s Black Sea Fleet. The conflict has demonstrated how drones can transform front-line dynamics into expansive contested areas where drone presence dictates troop movements and survival chances.

While debate continues over whether the United States could become embroiled in a drone-centric conflict resembling those seen in Eastern Europe, military leadership acknowledges the profound implications of rapidly evolving drone technologies. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized in a memo last year that the pace of advancement in unmanned systems necessitates new approaches to risk management and operational readiness.

For the Army’s Apache crews, the shift signals a challenging adaptation period, as pilots learn to counter an increasingly sophisticated and flexible aerial threat that demands both innovative tactics and refined technical execution.