Top 10 Most Advanced Military Helicopters in the World

Among the various aircraft in the U.S. Air Force, the AH-1W Super Cobra stands out as a top-tier combat helicopter. Renowned for its impressive capabilities and speed, the AH-1W Super Cobra was once the mainstay of the U.S. military's attack helicopter fleet before the arrival of the AH-64 Apache. Featuring dual rotors, a powerful single-engine setup, and a state-of-the-art drive system, this helicopter is also equipped with advanced Hellfire anti-tank missiles and AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air infrared homing missiles, capable of quickly and accurately taking down enemy aircraft.

The U.S. Marine Corps took a keen interest in the AH-1W Super Cobra but preferred a two-engine version for enhanced safety during maritime operations, along with a more powerful weapon turret. Initially, the Department of Defense hesitated to provide the Marines with a two-engine variant of the Cobra, believing that the Army's existing AH-1W Super Cobras were superior in comparison to the benefits of an additional engine. However, the Marines prevailed, and in May 1968, Bell received a contract to supply 49 AH-1W Super Cobras with two engines. As a temporary measure, the U.S. Army transferred 38 AH-1Gs to the Marines in 1969. The AH-1W Super Cobra also received a more powerful weapon turret, featuring a 20mm XM197 three-barrel cannon based on the M61 Vulcan six-barrel cannon.

The A-129/T-129, manufactured in Italy, is the first fully European-designed and built attack helicopter. Its external design features four weapon mounts capable of carrying up to 1,200 kg of combat payload, including eight M65 anti-tank missiles and six Hellfire anti-tank missiles. This was the first attack helicopter in the world to be equipped with the advanced MIL-STD 1553B digital databus electronics system, enabling it to reach speeds of 259 km/h and providing exceptional operational flexibility in all weather conditions. The T-129 Atak is a Turkish-developed upgrade of the original A-129, produced by Aerospace Industries (TAI) in partnership with AgustaWestland.

The T-129 is specially optimized for hot and high-altitude environments, with several key enhancements over the original A-129 to meet the needs of the Turkish military. The T-129 is equipped with 12 UMTAS anti-tank missiles developed by Turkish company Roketsan (a local variant similar to the Hellfire II). It also features a 20mm Gatling-style cannon in its nose turret, a 70mm rocket pod, and the ability to carry Stinger air-to-air missiles. On July 16, 2007, Turkey's Scientific and Technological Research Council (TUBITAK), Meteksan SavunmaSanayii AŞ, and Bilkent University established a partnership to develop an advanced millimeter-wave radar (MILDAR), similar to the Longbow and IAI/ELTA radars, which was successfully completed in February 2012.

Flexible, versatile, and powerful—these are the best words to describe the AH-1Z Viper, one of the most advanced attack helicopters in the world. Equipped with two engines, it can reach speeds of up to 296 km/h and has a combat radius of 231 km. Its fully digitalized cockpit and state-of-the-art systems make it a highly effective support helicopter for U.S. Marines, designed to provide close air support and firepower to ground troops. The AH-1Z is developed from the AH-1W Super Cobra, and boasts six hardpoints that can carry a variety of weapons, including two AIM-9 air-to-air missiles and sixteen Hellfire anti-tank missiles. The helmet-mounted display system for the pilot's visor enhances targeting capabilities. This helicopter is one of the most advanced in the world and holds a well-deserved place in the top rankings of modern military aircraft.

The origins of the AH-1Z trace back to Bell 249 in 1979, which was essentially the AH-1S equipped with a four-blade rotor system from the Bell 412. At the Farnborough Airshow in 1980, Bell showcased its Cobra II design, featuring Hellfire missiles, a new targeting system, and improved engines. In 1993, Bell proposed a version of the AH-1W for the UK’s new attack helicopter program. The CobraVenom variant featured a modern digital cockpit and the ability to carry guided missiles like Hellfire and Brimstone. Although the CobraVenom design was revised in 1995 to include a four-blade rotor system, it was ultimately replaced by the AH-64D Apache Longbow later that year.

When discussing the most advanced helicopters in the world, the Eurocopter Tiger cannot be left out. This attack helicopter, produced by Eurocopter, is known as the Tiger in Germany, and as Tigre in France and Spain. Dubbed the 'flying tiger,' it is renowned for its formidable attack capabilities in all conditions. The helicopter can carry up to 1,860 kg of weapons mounted on four hardpoints or under its wings, including AGM-114 Hellfire and PARS3-LR anti-tank missiles, 70mm Hydra rockets, Mistral air-to-air missiles, and 68mm SNEB rockets. Powered by two MTU Turbomeca Rolls-Royce MTR390 turbine engines producing 1,303 horsepower, the Tiger has a maximum speed of 290 km/h. It ranks as the fourth most advanced helicopter in the world.

The development of the Eurocopter Tiger began in 1984, when the German and French governments jointly identified the need for a versatile military helicopter. A joint venture was established between the French Aérospatiale and German MBB companies. Due to high production costs, the project was canceled in 1986, and Germany considered purchasing the American AH-64 Apache. However, in 1987, the development resumed, and by 1989, the consortium was tasked with building five prototype helicopters—three without weapons, one in a German anti-tank configuration, and one in a French escort and support configuration. The engine manufacturing company MTU Turbomeca Rolls-Royce GmbH (MTR) was also established that year to produce the MTR390-2C engine. Following German reunification, the model was updated to serve both anti-tank and escort roles (UHT), and the first test flight took place in 1991. The Tiger made its public debut in 1995, notably appearing in the James Bond film 'GoldenEye.'

Known as the MI-28H Havoc, this Russian-made attack helicopter is a powerful two-seat fighter designed to operate day or night in all weather conditions. The Havoc is heavily armed with a 30mm Shipunov 2A42 cannon and sixteen 9M120 Ataka anti-tank missiles, which have a maximum range of 8 km and can penetrate armor up to 1,000 mm thick. The development of the MI-28H began in response to a competition with the Mi-24, which was the only helicopter at the time with both attack and transport capabilities. The new design was inspired by the Mi-24 but removed the transport capability in favor of enhancing maneuverability and maximum speed, essential for its role as an anti-tank and close air support helicopter. Initial design concepts included unconventional layouts, such as a dual-rotor configuration with engines mounted on the ends of the wing struts and a tail-mounted pusher propeller. However, by 1977, a more conventional single-rotor layout was selected, and the design moved forward with a smaller, flatter cockpit.

One version of the Mi-28, the Mi-28N ('N' for 'night'), was developed to perform both day and night missions. It was first introduced in August 1996 and flew its first test flight in April 2004. It began operational testing with the Russian Air Force in June 2005. The Mi-28N retained most of the original Mi-28 design but integrated advanced electronic warfare systems. Other updates included a new transmission system that could provide more power to the rotor, new high-efficiency blades with angled tips, and a fuel-injection control system. Pilots were also equipped with night vision goggles. The export version, known as the Mi-28NE ('Night Hunter'), retained the Mi-28N's capabilities, while the Mi-28D was a simplified version designed only for day operations, lacking radar and infrared sensors. Additionally, the Mi-28NM is currently in development, featuring advanced capabilities such as low radar cross-section, extended range, modern weapon control systems, air-to-air combat abilities, and a top speed of up to 600 km/h (370 mph).

The Kamov KA-50/KA-52, known as the 'Black Shark', is one of Russia's most advanced attack helicopters, first designed in the 1980s and entering service in 1995. Featuring a coaxial rotor system and a compact design, it is optimized for a single pilot, reducing weight and enhancing agility for swift combat engagements. Despite its small size, the KA-50 is capable of carrying air-to-air missiles such as the AA-11/R-73 Archer, 80 different rockets, and 24 Vikhr anti-tank missiles. The Ka-52 variant is an all-weather attack helicopter with day and night operational capability. It is designed to eliminate both armored and unarmored ground targets, engage slow-moving aircraft, destroy enemy troops at the frontlines or in reserves, conduct reconnaissance, target designation, and support ground forces, and coordinate with other military helicopters.

In the early 1980s, during comparative tests of the V-80 prototype (which would become the KA-50) and the Mi-28, Kamov's design bureau proposed a new concept for a specialized reconnaissance and support helicopter. Due to economic constraints at the time, the plan faced obstacles, and to save costs, Kamov opted to adapt the existing KA-50 design, integrating reconnaissance and targeting systems. This required adding a second seat for a co-pilot to operate these systems, resulting in a redesigned cockpit with side-by-side seating, which improved interaction and coordination between the pilots. This modified two-seat version was later named the Ka-52.

The AH-64D Apache Long Bow is a cutting-edge attack helicopter renowned for its advanced weaponry, especially during the Gulf War. Manufactured by Boeing (USA), this helicopter excels in all-weather combat, capable of easily destroying armored vehicles, tanks, and ground fortifications. Its formidable firepower includes a 30mm M230E1 cannon, air-to-air missiles like the AIM-9, AGM-114 Hellfire anti-tank missiles (with a range of 500 to 8,000 meters), and 70mm rockets. Additionally, it is equipped with two T700-GE-701C engines, allowing it to reach a maximum speed of 293 km/h and a combat radius of 480 km.

The prototype of the AH-64D made its first flight on September 30, 1975. In 1976, Bell Helicopter was overshadowed by Hughes, and the AH-64D emerged victorious. After the U.S. Army signed a production contract with Hughes Helicopters, the AH-64D production line began operations in 1982. The first AH-64 rolled off the assembly line in 1983 and underwent flight testing in Mesa, Arizona. After McDonnell Douglas acquired Hughes Helicopters for $500 million in 1984, the company accelerated the development of the AH-64. In April 1986, the AH-64 officially entered service with the U.S. Army. Following the merger of McDonnell Douglas and Boeing in 1997, production continued under Boeing Defense, Space & Security. Over 2,000 AH-64 Apache helicopters, in various configurations, have been produced to date.

The Z-10 helicopter, developed by China, is a modern attack aircraft that entered service with the Chinese military in 2012. All Z-10 helicopters are equipped with two WZ-9 engines. The Z-10 features a compact fuselage with a two-person cockpit – a pilot seated in the rear and a gunner in the front. This attack helicopter is equipped with a range of advanced weaponry, including the HJ-9 guided anti-tank missiles, a 30mm cannon, HJ-10 anti-tank missiles, and TY-90 air-to-air missiles. Additionally, it can carry rockets, providing enhanced versatility. Recently, China has profited from selling the Z-10 to Pakistan.

The upper fuselage of the Z-10 is designed to be narrow to reduce radar signature, while the lower fuselage tapers, creating a distinctive ridge between the cockpit and the fuselage that extends the full length of the aircraft. This design is notably different from that of Russian and American attack helicopters. The Z-10 is equipped with a five-blade main rotor with a diameter of 12 meters, and a four-blade tail rotor. Key areas of the helicopter are armored to protect against small arms fire. While its primary role is anti-tank warfare, the Z-10 is also considered capable of limited air-to-air combat. Its maneuverability is similar to that of the AH-64 Apache. The Z-10’s engine power exceeds that of the EC-665 Tiger, but it still falls short compared to the 2,000-horsepower engines of the AH-64D Apache, the 2,194-horsepower TV3-117VMA engines of the Mi-28, and the 2,200-horsepower TV3-117VK engines of the Ka-52.

The Mil Mi-24 is a heavy attack helicopter with limited troop-carrying capabilities, first introduced into service with the Soviet Air Force in 1976 and later used by over thirty other countries. Known by NATO as the Hind, different variants of this helicopter are designated with letters such as Mi-25 and Mi-35, also called Hind D and Hind E, respectively. Soviet pilots often referred to it as the 'Flying Tank' or 'Krokodil' ('Crocodile') due to its camouflage and distinctive shape. The Mi-24's design is based on the Mil Mi-8, with twin turboshaft engines mounted on top, powering a central main rotor and a three-blade tail rotor. Its engine placement results in a unique arrangement of two air intakes. Later models, like the Mi-24D, featured a two-seat cockpit with a distinctive 'bubble' canopy. Other features are derived from the Mi-14 'Haze'. Hardpoints for weapons are mounted on two wing pylons (also aiding lift), each with three hardpoints. Armament varies based on mission needs, ranging from air support to anti-tank and aerial combat. The airframe is heavily armored, and its titanium rotor blades can withstand impacts from 12.7mm rounds. The cockpit is pressurized to protect the crew in the event of a nuclear attack. The helicopter is equipped with retractable landing gear.

The Mi-24 was designed to serve dual roles: as both a gunship and a transport helicopter, providing formidable firepower while also capable of carrying troops. There is no equivalent NATO counterpart with this dual functionality. The Mi-24 was first used in combat by Ethiopian forces during the Ogaden War, where it played a crucial role in airlifting Soviet-supplied military equipment. These helicopters were instrumental in various aerial and ground assaults, forcing Somali forces to retreat from Ethiopia in 1978. The Vietnamese People's Air Force also used Mi-24s extensively in the Cambodian–Vietnamese War, destroying Khmer Rouge bases and outposts until 1986. The Soviet Union deployed Mi-24s in Afghanistan, primarily for airstrikes against Mujahideen fighters. The Mi-24, along with the Mi-8, became prime targets for the rebels, especially after the introduction of U.S. Stinger missiles. The Mi-24’s cockpit is well-armored and can resist 12.7mm rounds, though its tail rotor remains vulnerable due to lack of armor in that area.

The AH-2 Rooivalk, also known as the 'Red Kestrel', is an advanced attack helicopter developed by Denel of South Africa. This versatile machine excels in combat situations, boasting remarkable speed and effectiveness. Designed to withstand harsh conditions like the extreme dryness of South Africa, the Rooivalk is equipped with a variety of weaponry suited for diverse missions. It features a target detection and interception system, along with countermeasure systems and dedicated flares. As one of the most advanced attack helicopters in the world, the Rooivalk is a force to be reckoned with.

Originally conceived as a combat helicopter by Atlas Aircraft Corporation, the predecessor of Denel Aviation, the AH-2 Rooivalk integrates a sophisticated fire control system and a Doppler radar navigation system. These systems enable the Rooivalk to operate under any weather conditions, both day and night. The Rooivalk has a maximum speed of 309 km/h and a cruising speed of 278 km/h, with an operational range of 1,335 km when fully fueled. Typically, it is armed with a 20mm GL2 cannon mounted on the nose, as well as a variety of missiles, including air-to-air Mitral missiles, anti-tank Ingwe and Mokopa missiles, and rockets.