Attack helicopter design has come a long way, starting with the legendary Bell AH-1 Cobra in 1967 and continuing to the contemporary combat platforms of today.
The pinnacle of these developments is shown in 2024 when we introduce the Top 10 most sophisticated attack helicopters in use today. The least progressed person on our list, who is in 10th position, will come first, and the top performer will come last.
Learn about the key components of a contemporary attack helicopter, including as dual seats, crew compartments with protection, powerful weapons, and cutting-edge sensor suites. Modern technology is also included into these helicopters, such as short-range air defense systems.
10. Denel Rooivalk
The French Aérospatiale SA 330 Puma serves as the basis for the South African Rooivalk. Because of this, the design heavily relies on French technology and replacement parts. Denel Aviation made the audacious goal of building one of the greatest assault helicopters in the world, and it was successful in producing a vehicle that could stand up to its competitors. With its extremely advanced indigenous Mokopa anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs), the Rooivalk is superior to any opponent that South Africa would encounter in its geopolitical area.
Despite Denel’s technological superiority, the Rooivalk is a far-reaching concept, with only 12 instances manufactured and budgetary issues threatening operational preparedness.
9. Changhe Z-10
Lighter than its contemporaries, the Chinese Changhe Z-10 was designed with input from the Russian Kamov design bureau. It is the first indigenous attack helicopter produced in China. A fresh design with an introduction dating back to 2012, numerically, it already covers the needs of the Chinese armed forces.
So far, over 200 have been produced for the People’s Liberation Army.
8. Mil Mi-24
The venerable but famous Mi-24 helicopter design has been a recurrent aerial sight in Asian and African conflicts for the past forty years. This adaptable platform has been used by many countries and paramilitary organizations; in the world of helicopters, it is comparable to the AKM assault rifle.
On August 25, 2020, a new model known as the Mi-35P went into serial production for an unidentified foreign customer, which was an interesting event. Having been produced in excess of 2,600 units and having more than 50 operators globally, the Mi-24 is the most produced attack helicopter in history.
As the first attack helicopter in Western Europe to be produced in-country, the A129 was designed in Italy. The Italian design changed after the Cold War ended in order to conform to the evolving strategic goals of NATO. Because there was less chance of facing a Soviet armor assault, the aircraft was made more aerodynamic, which meant that its ballistic protection was compromised. In its heyday, it was considered a competitive alternative to the American AH-64 Apache.
The A129 was outfitted with common NATO weapons like as TOW ATGMs and Hellfire, and it was said to be compatible with allied forces. Out of the 60 machines that were manufactured, more than 30 are still in use today. 7. Agusta A129 Mangusta
6. Kamov Ka-52
Probably the most unique attack helicopter in service today, the Ka-52 is a wildly unconventional design, with tandem side-by-side seating, ejection seats, dual contra-rotating main rotors, and no tail blades. It is one of the most maneuverable helicopters of any kind in the world today.
With an advanced battlefield management system, the Ka-52 can serve a command and control role for a larger helicopter group of Mi-24s and Mi-28s as a target detector and designator. In addition to its unique characteristics, the Ka-52 employs all the firepower expected from a modern attack helicopter, albeit its autocannon is mounted in a fixed position, lacking the flexibility of a turret
There are currently over 196 units manufactured, with Egypt, North Macedonia, and Russia serving as the current operators.
5. TAI T129 ATAK
The T129, an Italian version of the Turkish-built Agusta A129 Mangusta, is identical to its Italian counterpart only in terms of the fuselage. Improved avionics, airframe, and armaments are part of the internals, which are made using exclusive Turkish technology.
As of 2022, 78 units had been constructed. T129 is an apparently more successful worldwide version of its Italian predecessor, attracting attention from a number of countries, including Brazil, Pakistan, and Qatar. Turkey, the Philippines, and Nigeria are currently its operators.
The Tiger, developed jointly by France and Germany, is the second and latest assault helicopter to come out of Western Europe. More than 180 of these have been made, making it the most popular and successful European design. Using a composite design, carbon laminates, Kevlar, and honeycomb-shaped structures make up 80% of the airframe.
With a variety of Western missiles, rockets, and a French cannon installed, the Tiger is used by Australian, German, French, and Spanish troops. Germany, however, intends to phase out all Tiger variants by 2031–2038. Initially scheduled for the first deliveries in 2029, the Tiger Mk3 upgrade was supposed to encompass several significant enhancements. Notably, the upgrade was to include the adoption of a standardized anti-tank missile, along with additional improvements to the communication system. However, due to Germany’s planned divestment, the standard was reformed under a more conservative Mk2+ standard.
3. Bell AH-1Z Viper
The American Viper is a third-generation descendant of the venerable Bell AH-1 Cobra, the predecessor of all modern attack helicopters. The US Marines Corps’ asset traces its lineage back to 1965. The latest model in the class-defining design, the Viper proves to be a competent and long-lasting platform.
Introduced in 2010, the Marines currently employ 189 Vipers, with additional orders from Bahrain, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic bringing the total number of built Vipers to 195.
2. Mil Mi-28NM Havoc
The latest attack helicopter from Russia is an addition to the legendary Mi-24 and the distinctive Ka-50 series. After an extraordinarily lengthy development period that spanned over 27 years from the first flight to launch, the Havoc has ultimately evolved into a highly effective design overall. Its main feature is its armor, which can withstand bullets from 14.5×114mm rounds without breaking.
It is now in use by Algeria, Uganda, Russia, and Iraq as of 2024. As of right now, 126 units of this kind have been constructed.
The newest Russian attack helicopter is supplementing the iconic Mi-24 and the unique Ka-50 series. With an exceptionally long development time, from the first flight to introduction having passed 27 years, the Havoc has finally shaped itself into an all-around efficient design. It is primarily known for its armor, with windshields withstanding a hit from 14.5×114mm cartridges.
As of 2024, it is in service with Russia, Iraq, Uganda, and Algeria. Currently, there are 126 units of this type built.
Top – 1 AH-64E Apache Guardian
The Apache, the workhorse of the US Army, is the most common and extensively used assault helicopter in the West and its allies. With 18 operators as of 2024, more than 2,400 units have been produced as of right now for the US and its allies. Since its launch, the Apache has taken part in every significant American and NATO battle, making it the most seasoned and successful Western combat aircraft in its class.
The newest and most sophisticated model in the AH-64 Apache attack helicopter family is the AH-64E Apache Guardian. It is an improved model of the previous AH-64D Apache Longbow variant, including new composite rotor blades and enhanced engines.
The M320 chain gun, which has 1200 rounds of 30 mm ammo, Hellfire missiles, and Hydra are the holy trinity of reliable offenses.