Anduril announces launch of Altius 700 loitering munition from Apache attack helicopter

The test reportedly promotes the versatility and mobile strike manoeuvrability of Apache attack helicopters with the range and lethality of an Altius-700 to enhance US Army aviators’ situational awareness and strike capabilities in combat environments.

“During the event, Apache aviators from the US Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Aviation and Missile Center Technology Development Directorate executed an airborne, rocket-powered launch of Altius-700, demonstrating how launched effects can expand the reach, lethality, and sensing capabilities of Army attack helicopters,” according to a statement from Anduril.

“Anduril has worked with DEVCOM AvMC to incorporate launched effects onto Army aviation platforms. As part of that effort, Altius 700 has served as the primary launched effects testbed for a new, government-developed universal launch system designed to unlock low-altitude launch capability for launched effects from rotary wing aircraft.

“The demonstration builds on a prior effort to integrate Altius with Army rotorcraft, culminating in a test event in September 2025 where Army aviators executed multiple successful airborne launches of Altius 700s from an Army UH-60 Blackhawk.

“Successful integrations of Altius 700 with Blackhawks and Apaches demonstrate the relevance of rocket-powered airborne Altius launches to a variety of mission sets, from Blackhawk combat support and search and rescue missions to Apache armed reconnaissance and anti-artillery missions. The combination of manned-to-unmanned teaming provides Army leaders autonomous tools that are rapidly deployable and deliver on-demand effects for multiple mission sets.

“The rocket-powered launches of Altius-700 build on prior launches of Altius-600 from UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters beginning in 2020, and bring expanded range, loiter time, and payload capacity that will further enhance the capabilities available to Army aviators.”

Robert Dougherty

Robert is a senior journalist who has previously worked for Seven West Media in Western Australia, as well as Fairfax Media and Australian Community Media in New South Wales. He has produced national headlines, photography and videography of emergency services, business, community, defence and government news across Australia. Robert graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, Majoring in Public Relations and Journalism at Curtin University, attended student exchange program with Fudan University and holds Tier 1 General Advice certification for Kaplan Professional. Reach out via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via LinkedIn.