Tel Aviv: The Israeli Air Force’s (IAF) Apache combat helicopters are taking active part in the Israeli effort to protect the country from Iranian armed drones.
Israeli Air Force’s (IAF) AH-64 Apache helicopters have been successfully and actively interacting with Iranian armed drones, according to recent missions. In direct combat, Israeli helicopters use their 30mm cannons to take down Iranian suicide drones, according to footage made public by the IDF.
Since certain Iranian drones have been able to sneak past Israel’s sophisticated missile defence systems and require helicopter intervention to stop drone strikes on military and civilian targets, this close-range strategy has grown in significance.
The use of Apache helicopters to intercept drones addresses a critical issue: Israel’s missile defence systems, such as Iron Dome and David’s Sling, are highly effective but expensive to operate, especially against lower-cost threats like drones. Employing helicopters for drone interception offers a more sustainable way to counter mass drone attacks, preserving costly missile inventories for larger threats.
The escalation between Israel and Iran has seen both sides deploying a variety of aerial assets. Iran has launched waves of drones and missiles at Israeli cities and military targets, while Israel has responded with airstrikes and targeted attacks on Iranian military infrastructure, including drone launch sites and attack helicopters.
The IAF’s ability to intercept drones with Apache combat helicopters is part of a broader strategy to maintain air superiority and protect critical assets during ongoing hostilities.
-The writer is an Israel-based freelance journalist. The views expressed are of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of Raksha Anirveda
