On Monday, an Apache Guardian (AH-64E) squadron from South Korea’s Army Aviation Command took off from a base in Icheon, Gyeonggi Province, and flew over 240 kilometers to the seas off Gunsan. From renowned top pilots to first-time shooters, the pilots’ eyes burned with determination. Braving thick sea fog and relentless coastal winds, the Apache squadron embarked on its largest-ever Hellfire missile firing exercise, documented here with photos.
South Korea’s military successfully conducted its largest-ever Hellfire missile firing exercise with AH-64E Apache Guardian helicopters.
The Army Aviation Command announced on Monday that 16 Apache helicopters launched 25 Hellfire missiles at the Jikdo shooting range off the coast of Gunsan, North Jeolla Province.
This high-intensity training sharpens pilots’ proficiency with these powerful air-to-ground missiles.
The Army Aviation Command applied various firing techniques in this exercise, including adjustments in range, firing method, and missile modes, allowing pilots to gain valuable firing experience and improve combat capability.
Of particular note, this firing exercise involved 16 Apaches, comprising six Apache gunships per battalion, one command helicopter, and one reserve helicopter, launching 25 Hellfire missiles – making it the largest exercise to date. According to the command, considering that 52 Hellfire missiles have been fired over 17 instances in the past five years, this represents the largest scale for a single training session.
This massive demonstration of Hellfire missile capabilities serves as a potent deterrent and a clear message to potential adversaries.
For the firing exercise, the Apache helicopters took off from the base and advanced toward the uninhabited island where targets were positioned. The exercise simulated realistic scenarios, including encounters with enemy tanks and hovercrafts. The firing occurred from ranges of 3.5 to 7 kilometers, with diverse guidance techniques applied, such as laser targeting, autonomous, remote, multi-target, and rapid-guided modes, allowing for both stationary and advancing day and night firing.
True to its name, the Hellfire missile is a formidable air-to-ground weapon designed to overwhelm enemy defenses. It boasts an impressive armor penetration capability exceeding 55 inches and can strike targets up to 5 miles away. An Apache helicopter can be armed with up to 16 Hellfire missiles, giving a single Apache the firepower to destroy up to 16 tanks.
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