Well, killing small drones might be a useful capability for the useful lifespan of attack helicopters. But I can't see the attack helicopters lasting by helping them survive ground-based air defense given alternatives.
Seems like an expensive platform for the mission:
The U.S. Army’s AH-64 Apache attack helicopter is continuing to develop its ability to detect and destroy enemy aerial drones. ...
During Operation Flyswatter, the AH-64Es were tasked with detecting and tracking uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS), before defeating them with a combination of laser-guided missiles, laser-guided rockets, and the Apache’s 30mm cannon.
Ukraine is using suicide interceptor drones to shoot down Russia's jet suicide drones. This isn't quite my Army prophecy of armed drone fighters. But perhaps it is cheaper to treat the interceptors as rounds of ammunition rather than small aircraft?
Still, the expensive attack helicopters and their crews exist. What else can they do?
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NOTE: Photo from the article.
