YUMA, Arizona - U.S. Army AH-64 Apache helicopters fired 30mm proximity ammunition at drones in air-to-air combat during a December exercise at Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona.

The ammunition, known as the XM1225 Aviation Proximity Explosive (APEX), has a proximity fuze that detonates near a target, releasing a wide blast fragment radius. APEX rounds are designed for precision targets like small boats, drones, and enemy combatants, and require no changes to the Apache's existing weapon system.

The fragments were described as effective at destroying drones in flight as well as ground targets at various ranges. The APEX technology was developed by the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command's Armaments Center, with support from Picatinny Arsenal and Northrop Grumman.

Proximity fuzes date back to WWII, when the U.S. first used them against aircraft and Germany's V-1 flying bombs.

Source: Defense News
Associated URL: https://www.defensenews.com/news/your-military/2026/02/18/apache-helicopters-downed-drones-in-air-to-air-combat-with-30mm-proximity-ammo/
Author: Zita Ballinger Fletcher 

WASHINGTON - President Trump signed an executive order on February 6 establishing the "America First Arms Transfer Strategy," a new framework that ties the sale of American military equipment directly to the revitalization of the domestic defense industrial base. The order mandates that the United States leverage its dominance in defense exports to expand domestic production capacity and support reindustrialization, marking a shift toward using foreign capital to fortify American manufacturing.

The directive instructs the Pentagon to prioritize arms transfers to allies and partners that have invested in their own self-defense, occupy critical geographic positions, or contribute significantly to U.S. economic security. A central pillar of the strategy is the requirement for the Pentagon, in coordination with the Secretaries of State and Commerce, to produce a "sales catalog" of prioritized platforms within 120 days. This list will serve as the primary menu of systems the U.S. will encourage international partners to acquire to ensure alignment with the National Security Strategy.

To oversee the implementation of these reforms, the order establishes the Promoting American Military Sales Task Force, chaired by the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs. The task force is charged with streamlining the bureaucratic process of foreign military sales, including reducing "onerous" third-party transfer restrictions and clarifying end-use monitoring criteria. The administration also aims to improve transparency by publishing quarterly performance metrics on sales execution and export licensing, seeking to eliminate backlogs that have historically impacted both domestic and ally readiness.

Source: Forecast International
Associated URL: https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2026/02/establishing-an-america-first-arms-transfer-strategy/

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Lockheed Martin has selected the Robinson Helicopter R66 NxG as its proposed aircraft for the U.S. Army’s Flight School Next (FSN) training competition. With M1 Support Services also backing the R66, the light single-engine helicopter is now supported by two of the three remaining bidders as the program enters the third of four competition phases. The only other contender, Bell, is offering its Bell 505 to meet the Army’s requirements.

Although Lockheed Martin owns Sikorsky, none of Sikorsky’s helicopters are considered suitable for the basic flight training role envisioned under FSN. The U.S. Army is seeking to move away from its current use of the Airbus Helicopters UH-72 Lakota, arguing that the light twin is overly complex for initial pilot training. Robinson Helicopter positions the R66 as a cost-effective, American-built alternative, highlighting its simple, responsive handling and suitability for teaching fundamental flying skills while meeting the Army’s training and affordability goals.

Source: Flight Global
Associated URL: https://www.flightglobal.com/defence/lockheed-martin-picks-robinson-r66-for-flight-school-next-bid/166254.article
Author: Dominic Perry