The AH-64A Apache first saw combat in Panama during Operation Just Cause. There, the Apache provided nighttime fire support for American ground troops. In the years that followed, the helicopters were used more and more frequently. During the First Gulf War, Apaches destroyed more than 500 Iraqi tanks, armored personnel carriers, and other enemy vehicles.
Having amassed 1.3 million flight hours in combat to date, the Apache can now be considered the most battle-proven attack helicopter in the world.