Flash News: British AH-64 Apache Attack Helicopter Fires Hellfire Anti-tank Missiles in Finland for First Time.

On May 21, 2025, the Finnish Defence Forces announced a historic milestone via their official X (formerly Twitter) account: for the first time, AGM-114 Hellfire missiles were fired on Finnish soil from British Army AH-64E Apache attack helicopters. This event took place during the multinational Northern Strike 25 exercise, marking a significant advance in defense cooperation between Finland, the United Kingdom, and Sweden. This joint training initiative underscores the growing operational integration of Finland within NATO and highlights the strategic depth of trilateral military collaboration in the High North.
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British Army ground crew prepares an AH-64E Apache Guardian attack helicopter for live-fire operations during Northern Strike 25 in Finland, marking the first-ever launch of Hellfire missiles from Apache helicopters on Finnish soil.  (Picture source: Finnish Defence Forces)

Northern Strike 25, spearheaded by Finland's Kainuu Brigade, is a comprehensive live-fire and maneuver exercise held at the Rovajärvi Training Area from May 12 to May 31, 2025. The exercise includes around 6,500 military personnel, among them 900 Swedish and 350 British troops, and is designed to bolster interoperability among allied forces under NATO's expanding defense posture. The British Army's aerial contribution consists of two detachments of AH-64E Apache attack helicopters and a reconnaissance detachment operating AW159 Wildcat helicopters. These rotary-wing assets are operating in concert with Finnish NH90 and MD500 helicopters, offering Finnish conscripts unprecedented exposure to integrated operations with advanced attack aviation platforms.

The deployment of the British Army AH-64E Apache Guardian to Finland is especially noteworthy. The AH-64 Apache is a twin-engine, tandem-seat, multi-mission attack helicopter originally developed by Hughes Helicopters and now produced by Boeing. Designed for high-intensity combat, the Apache has been the backbone of NATO’s attack helicopter capability for decades. It is equipped with a 30 mm M230 chain gun mounted beneath its nose, capable of delivering rapid and accurate fire. The helicopter also carries Hydra 70 unguided rocket pods and can be armed with AIM-92 Stinger air-to-air missiles for self-defense.

The AH-64E Guardian is the most modern and capable variant in the Apache family. It includes advanced avionics, target acquisition systems, and enhanced communication equipment that support network-centric operations. The E-model is powered by two General Electric T700-GE-701D turboshaft engines, enabling it to achieve speeds of up to 330 km/h and operate effectively in all-weather, day and night conditions. Its robust construction and integrated countermeasure systems make it particularly suitable for operations in harsh and contested environments such as those found in northern Finland.

Central to the historic event was the firing of AGM-114 Hellfire missiles. The Hellfire, short for Helicopter Launched, Fire-and-Forget, is a precision-strike air-to-ground missile developed by Lockheed Martin. It has been a mainstay in NATO arsenals due to its versatility and lethality. The AGM-114 is capable of engaging armored vehicles, fortifications, and high-value targets, using various warhead types including tandem high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) and blast fragmentation. While earlier models rely on semi-active laser guidance, the more recent AGM-114R variant incorporates multi-mode guidance, improving accuracy in adverse conditions. With a range of up to 8 kilometers, the Hellfire provides a decisive tactical advantage in both conventional and asymmetric warfare scenarios.

From a military and strategic perspective, the British Army's use of AH-64E Apache helicopters to conduct live-fire missions in Finland signifies a substantial advancement in NATO’s operational readiness and joint combat capabilities. This event is far more than a training milestone; it represents NATO’s growing ability to execute integrated precision-strike missions in northern Europe. It validates interoperability in live combat scenarios between NATO air and ground units and reinforces the readiness of member forces to respond rapidly to threats along the alliance’s northern flank.

The presence of British Army AH-64 Apache attack helicopters and their use of Hellfire missiles in the Arctic conditions of Finland exemplifies NATO’s commitment to forward defense and its strategic recalibration toward the High North. It demonstrates the ability to rapidly project allied air power into a region of increasing geopolitical interest and military significance. As Finland continues to integrate into NATO’s command structure, exercises like Northern Strike 25 are vital for building trust, tactical cohesion, and a shared deterrence framework among allied forces.