Top 10 Attack Helicopters in the World 2021 | Military Power Comparison

Top 10 Attack Helicopters in the World 2021

Denel AH-2 Rooivalk (South Africa)

The Denel AH-2 Rooivalk is an important attack helicopter in the South African Air Force. It was introduced in 2011.

The attack aircraft is equipped with a 20 mm cannon and can carry air-to-air missiles, air-to-ground anti-armor missiles, and unguided rockets. It is also fitted with a target acquisition system and advanced navigation system. It uses GPS, infrared, and Doppler radar systems. It is designated as one of the best attack helicopters in the world. This gunship is also used by other country’s air forces.

Z-10 (China)

The Z-10 is the first Chinese dedicated attack helicopter. It has been designed with extensive technical assistance from Eurocopter and Augusta. Other sources claim that the development of this attack helicopter has been assisted by the Russian Kamov helicopter design bureau. The primary mission of the Z-10 is anti-armor and battlefield interdiction. It also has some limited air-to-air combat capabilities.

Mil Mi-24 Hind (Russia)

The Mi-24 is one of the most widely known assault helicopters. It saw widespread combat action during wars and military conflicts. This aging gunship is still very capable.

Agusta A129 Mangusta (Italy)

The A129 Mangusta was the first dedicated attack helicopter to be produced in Western Europe. First, helicopters were delivered to the Italian Army in 1990. Production of Mangusta was stopped in 1992 due to funding problems and changing operational requirements with the end of the Cold War. Later all Italian Mangustas were upgraded to the A129 International standard.

T129 (Turkey)

Turkish modernization of Agusta A129 Mangusta, the T129 shares only the fuselage with its Italian counterpart. The internals is proprietary Turkish technology with upgraded avionics, airframe, and weapons. Around 60 units are in service today with a capability to build 32 more if deemed necessary. With interest from multiple nations, including Qatar, the Philippines, and Pakistan, T129 is a seemingly more successful international version of its Italian predecessor.

Eurocopter Tiger (Multinational)

The Eurocopter Tiger was jointly developed by France and Germany. It is a medium-weight attack helicopter, which entered service in 2002. It is also in service with Australia and Spain. The Tiger has seen combat in Afghanistan, Libya, and Mali.

Bell AH-1Z Viper (USA)

The AH-1Z Viper gunship evolved from the AH-1W Super Cobra. This helicopter is used by the US Marine Corps. It follows the line of the venerable AH-1 Cobra, which was the world's first dedicated attack helicopter. This helicopter is fitted with an infrared suppression system, which covers exhausts.

Mi-28NM Havoc (Russia)

The Mi-28 has been in development since the late 1970s. This helicopter was finally accepted to service with the Russian Army in 2006. Currently, the Russian Army operates only a relatively small number of these helicopters. This attack helicopter is fitted with two heavily armored cockpits. Probably it is one of the most armored attack helicopters to date. The Mi-28 is also fitted with an emergency escape system for the crew.

Kamov Ka-52 (Russia)

The Ka-52 is a further development and a two-seat version of the famous Ka-50. This attack helicopter entered service with the Russian Army and its small-scale production commenced in 2008.

The Ka-52 is one of the fastest and most maneuverable attack helicopters due to its two coaxial contra-rotating main rotors. The armor of this gunship withstands hits from 23 mm projectiles. Pilots are seated in ejection seats.

AH-64E Apache Guardian (USA)

The AH-64E is an upgraded version of the original AH-64A, which was developed for the US Army, to replace the AH-1 Cobra.

The Apache Guardian is fitted with a mast-mounted antenna with updated Longbow fire control radar. This attack helicopter can fire Hellfire 2 anti-tank guided missiles in fire-and-forget mode. Other improvements include targeting, battle management system, cockpit, communications, weapons, and navigation systems. The gunship is also fitted with a 30 mm cannon.