One of the Apache’s most enduring contributions to America’s invasion of Panama was its ability to operate effectively in urban environments.
Most Americans do not remember that, less than 40 years ago, America went to war against the Central American country of Panama!
From December 1989 to January 1990, the U.S. military launched “Operation Just Cause,” a military operation intended to depose and capture General Manuel Noriega. Though he never officially served as Panama’s president, Noriega had consolidated control over the country throughout the 1980s, serving as its de facto dictator. He was also deeply involved in international drug trafficking, for which he was indicted by an American grand jury in 1988. After Noriega threw out the unfavorable results of Panama’s 1989 election, then-President George H.W. Bush resolved to bring the rogue general to justice.
Of course, this was easier said than done. Many had initially feared the prospect of a conflict in Panama, seeing as it was little more than a decade removed from another jungle conflict in Vietnam. Many in Washington were worried that the Panama excursion could go the same way that Vietnam did.
These fears were categorically disproven in short order.
In Panama, the U.S. Military Proved How to Fight a Modern War
Indeed, Operation Just Cause marked a pivotal moment in the annals of modern American warfare—showcasing the capabilities of advanced technology in urban and asymmetrical combat environments. Many assets were deployed into that fight that would go on to define U.S. military power. And one of the most important among these assets was the mighty AH-64 Apache attack helicopter.
Developed by Boeing (originally Hughes Helicopters), the AH-64 Apache was designed as a heavily armed, highly maneuverable attack chopper. The Apache entered service in 1986, featuring advanced avionics, including the Target Acquisition and Designation System (TADS) and Pilot Night Vision System (PNVS), which allowed operations in low-visibility conditions.
Armed with a 30mm M230 chain gun, AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, and Hydra 70 rockets, the Apache was a formidable platform for engaging armored vehicles, fortifications, and personnel. Its redundant systems and armored cockpit enhanced survivability, making it a critical asset for high-risk missions like those of Panama.
During Operation Just Cause, the Apache was deployed primarily by the 1st Battalion, 82nd Aviation Regiment, part of the 82nd Airborne Division of the United States Army. This helo’s ability to operate at night and deliver precision strikes made it a cornerstone of the operation’s early phases, where speed and surprise were key.
General Noriega Learned to Fear the Apache Helicopter
The AH-64 Apache played a multifaceted role in Panama, contributing to both offensive and support missions. Its primary tasks included Close Air Support (CAS) for ground troops, destruction of PDF command-and-control facilities, and Apaches were instrumental in the neutralizing of key PDF strongholds, such as the Comandancia, the PDF’s headquarters in Panama City.
One of the Apache’s most enduring contributions to the war effort was its ability to operate effectively in urban environments. Panama’s dense infrastructure posed challenges for traditional air support platforms. The Apache’s agility and precision-guided munitions, however, allowed it to engage targets with minimal collateral damage.
During the assault on the Comandancia, Apaches lobbed Hellfire missiles in order to destroy fortified positions, enabling the advanced U.S. military to take these areas with reduced resistance. The helicopter’s 30mm chain gun proved equally effective in suppressing Panamanian Defense Forces. Plus, the Apache’s night vision and thermal imaging capabilities were crucial during the operation’s opening hours, which commenced under the cover of darkness.
Systems such as thermal imaging allowed Apache crews to identify and engage targets that were invisible to the naked eye—giving U.S. forces a major advantage over the Panamanian Defense Forces. The ability to operate at night also minimized the risk of civilian casualties, as the streets were usually empty of noncombatants during those early hours.
Apaches were also tasked with interdicting Panamanian Defense Forces attempting to reinforce essential positions. Their speed and firepower enabled the AH-64 to disrupt and reinforce positions.
The AH-64 Apache Is Still Relevant Today
The AH-64 Apache’s performance in Operation Just Cause had far-reaching implications for U.S. military doctrine. The operation validated the helicopter’s role as a force multiplier in urban and asymmetrical warfare, demonstrating that attack helicopters could operate effectively in environments traditionally dominated by the ground forces.
Indeed, the Apache’s ability to deliver precision strikes with minimal collateral damage set a precedent for all future operations—influencing the development of tactics for wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, and beyond.
And strategically, the Apache’s success in Just Cause underscored the importance of technological superiority in modern warfare. The helicopter’s advanced sensors and weaponry allowed U.S. forces to achieve rapid dominance over a numerically inferior but determined adversary. This reinforced the Pentagon’s investment in high-tech platforms and shaped procurement decisions for years to come.
There can be little doubt that the AH-64 Apache’s impressive firepower and other capabilities allowed it to thrive in that war—and cemented its reputation as one of the most effective attack helicopters in the world.
About the Author: Brandon J. Weichert
Brandon J. Weichert, a Senior National Security Editor at The National Interest as well as a contributor at Popular Mechanics, who consults regularly with various government institutions and private organizations on geopolitical issues. Weichert’s writings have appeared in multiple publications, including the Washington Times, National Review, The American Spectator, MSN, the Asia Times, and countless others. His books include Winning Space: How America Remains a Superpower, Biohacked: China’s Race to Control Life, and The Shadow War: Iran’s Quest for Supremacy. His newest book, A Disaster of Our Own Making: How the West Lost Ukraine is available for purchase wherever books are sold. He can be followed via Twitter @WeTheBrandon.
Image: Shutterstock / Martin Hibberd.
