US Apache helicopters lead air assets in Noble Partner defence drills
An Apache helicopter engaging targets during action at Vaziani Training Area. Photo: Georgia’s Defence Ministry press office.
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A Boeing AH-64 Apache attack helicopter is leading the first-ever participation of United States’ offensive air assets in the Noble Partner 2018 multinational defence exercise in Georgia.
The Ministry of Defence of Georgia released brief footage of the US-made helicopter engaging mock targets during the drills at the Vaziani Training Area outside capital Tbilisi.
In the footage, the Apache — which, in various modifications, has been in service for US armed forces for over four decades — is seen on Firing Range 11 of the Vaziani grounds.
Hovering over the ground, the rotary wing aircraft can be seen firing its fuselage-mounted M230 Chain Gun and missiles from wing-mounted pods.
Its participation in action marked the first time attack air assets from US forces featured in the exercise led by Georgian and US commanders.
A main battle tank from the Georgian Armed Forces fires its main cannon during today’s drills. Photo: Georgia’s Defence Ministry press office.
The Apache was in close air support of ground- based hardware, including Georgian Armed Forces main battle tanks from the 4th Mechanised Brigade as well as vehicles from US Army Europe’s 2nd Cavalry Regiment.
The US forces on the ground included a Stryker armoured fighting vehicle, a Bradley fighting vehicle and an Abrams main battle tank.
A Stryker armoured fighting vehicle in action on Vaziani’s Firing Range 11. Photo: Georgia’s Defence Ministry press office.
Launched on August 1, the Noble Partner drills are set to run through Wednesday.
The exercise involves troops from 13 NATO and allied nations training at Vaziani and Camp Norio grounds.