Stinger missiles fired in drill

An AH-64E Apache Guardian attack helicopter launches a Stinger air-to-air guided missile during a live-fire exercise at a firing range in Boryeong, South Chungcheong Province, Wednesday. / Courtesy of the Army

By Jun Ji-hye

The Army successfully launched two Stinger air-to-air guided missiles from its AH-64E Apache Guardian attack helicopters in an exercise, Wednesday.

Four Apache choppers belonging to the Army’s Aviation Operations Command took part in the drill held on a firing range at Boryeong, South Chungcheong Province.

Stinger missiles are capable of striking airborne drones or enemy aircraft.

It marked the first time for the Army to have carried out a live-fire exercise with missiles from attack helicopters.

“This live-fire exercise was meaningful in that the Army has finally verified its ability of operating air-to-air missiles, completing the Army’s aviation combat capability,” the Army said in a release.

The Army introduced the AH-64E Apache attack helicopters in May of last year and created Apache battalions later that year in September and December.

Since then, the Army has been working to enhance its aviation combat capability.

On Nov. 13, the Army also successfully launched eight Hellfire air-to-surface missiles at targets in the sea in its first live-fire exercise, during which 12 Apache helicopters were mobilized.