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U.S. Soldiers assigned to 2nd Battalion, 159th Aviation Regiment (Attack), 12th Combat Aviation Brigade operate an AH-64E Apache helicopter in order to engage unmanned aerial systems during Operation Skyfall at the 7th Army Training Command's Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, March 18, 2026. Operation Skyfall is a critical training exercise conducted by 12th CAB to advance the Eastern Flank Deterrence Initiative concept through the demonstration of Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems capabilities. Focused on operational readiness, modernization, and experimentation, the exercise showcases the brigade’s ability to adapt to evolving threats and secure regional stability. As the premier combat aviation unit in Europe, 12th CAB remains committed to enhancing its capabilities and supporting U.S. Army objectives to deter aggression and protect allied interests.
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Markus Rauchenberger)VIEW ORIGINAL2 / 2Show Caption +Hide Caption –
A U.S. Army AH-64E Apache Guardian helicopter assigned...
(Photo Credit: CPL Grant Hockley)VIEW ORIGINAL
ANSBACH, Germany — Soldiers of the 2-159th Attack Battalion, 12th Combat Aviation Brigade, demonstrated adaptability to the modern battlefield during Operation Skyfall at Grafenwoehr Training Area this week. For the first time in the European theater, the AH-64E Apache proved itself as a viable counter-unmanned aerial system platform, using its existing weapon systems to engage and destroy drones in air-to-air combat.
This exercise highlights rotary-wing aviation’s evolving role within the Eastern Flank Deterrence Initiative, an effort to collaborate NATO capabilities to counter emerging threats in the theater. The AH-64E is uniquely suited for this mission; with a maximum speed of over 180 miles per hour, the Apache can rapidly intercept aerial threats that might evade traditional fixed-wing assets or ground-based air defense.
Attack aviation remains a cornerstone of the defense posture in Europe. The 12th CAB regularly trains alongside partners from the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Poland to ensure seamless interoperability. This continuity is more critical than ever as Poland prepares to become the second-largest operator of Apaches in the world. By proving and refining the C-UAS mission set now, 12th CAB is providing a blueprint for Allied aviation units across the continent.
U.S. Soldiers assigned to 2nd Battalion, 159th Aviation Regiment (Attack), 12th Combat Aviation Brigade operate an AH-64E Apache helicopter and engage an unmanned aerial system during Operation Skyfall at the 7th Army Training Command's Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, March 18, 2026. Operation Skyfall is a critical training exercise conducted by 12th CAB to advance the Eastern Flank Deterrence Initiative concept through the demonstration of Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems capabilities. Focused on operational readiness, modernization, and experimentation, the exercise showcases the brigade’s ability to adapt to evolving threats and secure regional stability. As the premier combat aviation unit in Europe, 12th CAB remains committed to enhancing its capabilities and supporting U.S. Army objectives to deter aggression and protect allied interests.
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Markus Rauchenberger)VIEW ORIGINAL
A drone is stationed for take-off at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany during Operation Skyfall, March 18, 2026. Operation Skyfall is a training exercise designed to advance the Eastern Flank Deterrence Initiative (EFDI) by demonstrating the counter-unmanned aerial systems capabilities of the AH-64E Apache.
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Jamie Robinson)VIEW ORIGINAL
“Most pilots in our unit and across the Army have never engaged in air-to-air with the Apache, so this is a new engagement profile for us that we have to develop tactics, techniques, and procedures for,” said Maj. Daniel Murphy, the operations officer for the 2-159th Attack Battalion. “We’re looking forward to sharing what we learn so we can continue developing the EFDI alongside our NATO Allies.”
If the enemy thinks they have found a gap in the integrated air defense of the European theater, the Apache is ready to prove them wrong.
12th Combat Aviation Brigade provides V Corps with a ready and lethal combat aviation force capable of rapidly projecting combat power across the European and African areas of responsibility in support of designated plans to assure allies and partners, deter aggression, and, if necessary, defeat near-peer adversaries.
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