AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters from the U.S. Marine Corps’ 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) carried out a live-fire training exercise in the Caribbean Sea on September 22, 2025. The drill aimed to enhance maritime strike readiness, precision engagement, and coordination between aviation and amphibious forces.
Operating from an amphibious assault ship, the Vipers executed rapid-fire missions against both stationary and towed maritime targets using 20mm cannon bursts, Hydra-70 rockets, and precision-guided munitions. The training emphasized high-tempo maneuvering, sensor integration, and dynamic target engagement under shipborne command and control.
The exercise was supported by UH-1Y Venom utility helicopters and unmanned aerial systems, which provided reconnaissance and targeting data through a networked sensor suite. This integration enabled real-time coordination and simulated retasking during flight, showcasing the Marine Corps’ evolving approach to distributed maritime operations.
Developed by Bell Helicopter, the AH-1Z Viper remains the Marine Corps’ premier attack platform. Equipped with a four-blade composite rotor, fly-by-wire controls, and a modular weapons system, the aircraft can employ AGM-114 Hellfire, JAGM, and APKWS munitions with precision. Its corrosion-resistant airframe and folding rotor design make it ideal for ship-based deployments and sustained maritime operations.
The 22nd MEU, currently operating in the U.S. Southern Command’s area of responsibility, is a self-contained rapid-response force capable of executing missions ranging from amphibious assaults and crisis response to humanitarian relief. Its deployment in the Caribbean underscores U.S. efforts to maintain regional stability and safeguard maritime routes amid increasing security challenges.
Officials noted that ongoing modernization programs could soon introduce extended-range guided rockets and modular effect weapons to the AH-1Z fleet. The Caribbean exercise provided a realistic environment to evaluate these systems under demanding sea and weather conditions, reinforcing the Viper’s role in future expeditionary warfare.
