Apache Attack Helicopter's Arsenal: Spike NLOS, HELLFIRE II, and Altius 700 Systems
The AH-64 Apache attack helicopter stands as a cornerstone of the U.S. Army's aerial assault capabilities, boasting over 5.3 million flight-hours and a fleet exceeding 1,300 aircraft across 19 nations. As Boeing and the Army drive forward with modernization efforts, the Apache's combat effectiveness is increasingly defined by the variety of advanced munitions it can deploy. From precision-guided missiles to innovative loitering drones, this guide delves into three pivotal systems now being integrated into the Apache's evolving arsenal.
Spike NLOS: Long-Range Precision Strike Capability
Developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and marketed to U.S. clients through a partnership with Lockheed Martin, the Spike NLOS is a versatile electro-optical/infrared missile system. Designed to neutralize stationary and defilade armor troops, field fortifications, and urban structures, it achieves an impressive range of more than 25 kilometers. The system has already been "qualified" under the Army's Long Range Precision Munitions Directed Requirement on the AH-64E Apache helicopter.
In October 2025, the Army progressed Spike NLOS to Phase Two of the M-LRPSM program, awarding Lockheed Martin a $30 million contract for ongoing development, integration, and safety testing. A final decision on the program award is anticipated after Phase 2 testing concludes, projected for mid-2026.
Key specifications include:
- Range: Up to 32 kilometers with a fiber-optic wireless datalink
- Guidance: Electro-optical/infrared seeker providing real-time video imagery
- Key feature: Man-in-the-loop control enabling mission adjustments or aborts mid-flight
- Platforms: Compatible with ground, aviation, or maritime systems
Currently in service with U.S. forces and six other countries, Spike NLOS has garnered interest from Polish officials for integration into Poland's future AH-64E Apache fleet.
AGM-114R HELLFIRE II: Versatile Precision Strike Missile
The HELLFIRE II is a semi-active laser (SAL) guided precision strike missile, engineered to defeat a broad spectrum of targets using a single multi-purpose warhead. The AGM-114R2 variant, also known as Hellfire Romeo, entered production in 2012 and consolidates all previous SAL Hellfire II models into one missile.
Key specifications are:
- Range: 8.7 km for lock-on after launch (LOAL) high trajectory; 8.0 km for LOAL low/direct trajectory
- Maximum range: 11 km
- Weight: 49 kg (108 lb)
- Length: 163 cm (64 in)
- Diameter: 17.8 cm (7 in)
- Guidance: Semi-active laser (SAL)
- Speed: Mach 1.3
- Unit cost: $99,600 (All-Up Round, 2015 USD)
- Warhead: Multi-purpose, effective against armor, air defense, patrol boats, buildings, caves, and vehicles
- In production: 2012–present
The HELLFIRE II can operate autonomously or with remote designation, utilizing lock-on before launch (LOBL) or lock-on after launch (LOAL) to enhance platform survivability. It is launchable from helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, ground vehicles, boats, and tripod launchers. The AH-64E Apache can carry up to 16 HELLFIRE missiles, alongside 76 2.75-inch rockets and 1,200 30mm chain gun rounds.
Altius 700: Advanced Loitering Munition and Reconnaissance Drone
Constructed by Anduril, the Altius 700 is a rocket-powered loitering munition and reconnaissance drone. In 2026, an AH-64E Apache successfully executed the first-ever airborne launch of an Altius 700 at Yuma Proving Ground during Concept Focused Warfighting Experiment 26 (CFWE26).
This launch, conducted by Army aviators from the Combat Capabilities Development Command Aviation & Missile Center (DEVCOM AvMC), validated a new government-developed universal launch system for low-altitude drone deployment from rotary-wing aircraft. Tests included launches from both hover and motion, building on prior successes with Altius-600 and Altius-700 from UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters.
Key specifications from Anduril:
- Diameter: 7 inches (17.8 cm)
- Endurance: Approximately 4 hours in ISR configuration
- Range: Approximately 460 km
- Payload: Supports ISR, SIGINT, and electronic warfare
- Launch platform: Rotary-wing aircraft, tested on Apache and UH-60 Black Hawk
The Altius-700M loitering munition variant features a warhead payload up to 33 pounds, comparable to an AGM-114 Hellfire missile, with an endurance of about 75 minutes and a range up to 100 miles (160 km). Unlike traditional missiles, Altius 700 loiters over battlefields for persistent surveillance before striking, supporting manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) to enhance Apache crew capabilities.
Implications for the Apache's Future
The integration of Spike NLOS and Altius 700 significantly expands the Apache's mission set beyond its capacity for 16 HELLFIRE missiles. Spike NLOS enables beyond-visual-range engagements, reducing exposure to enemy air defenses, while Altius 700 transforms the Apache into a launch platform for loitering munitions, allowing for persistent surveillance and time-sensitive strikes. The 2026 demonstration at Yuma Proving Ground confirmed the Apache's ability to release Altius 700 from hover and motion, achieving this in under six months despite a 43-day government shutdown.
HELLFIRE II remains essential for direct engagement of armored and hardened targets, with the AGM-114R2 variant unifying previous capabilities. The AH-64E Apache features improved sensors, enhanced connectivity, and manned-unmanned teaming, facilitating data sharing and coordination with unmanned systems. As Boeing and the U.S. Army invest in the Apache's Open Systems Approach, its ability to integrate new munitions and launched effects ensures relevance into the 2060s.
