A Comparative Overview of Top Attack Helicopters in Modern Warfare

In the realm of aerial warfare, where agility and speed meet, the two-seater Ka-52 snags the top spot from the usual winner, the Apache. The Alligator’s anti-ship missiles boast better range than the Apache and the helicopter boasts similar armor and air-to-air capability. An one-seater version, the Ka-50, is also noteworthy.

2. AH-64 Apache

The AH-64 is armed with a lot of weapons including Hellfire missiles, 70mm rockets, and a 30mm automatic cannon. Its trackers and prioritizes 256 contacts with advanced radar and targeting systems. Optional Stinger or Sidewinder missiles turn it into an air-to-air platform. The newest version, AH-64E Guardian, is more efficient, faster, and can link to drones.

3. Mi-28N “Havoc”

The night-capable version of the Mi-28, the “Havoc” carries anti-tank missiles that pierce armor. It also has pods for 80mm unguided rockets, five 122mm rocket pods, 23mm guns, 12.7mm or 7.62mm machine guns, or bombs. It also has a 30mm cannon mounted under its nose.

4. Eurocopter Tiger

The Tiger minimizes its radar, sound, and infrared signatures to avoid enemy munitions and still has thick armor, just in case. It carries a 30mm turret, 70mm rockets, air-to-air missiles, and a wide variety of anti-tank and countermeasure options.

5. Z-10

The Z-10 has an altitude ceiling of nearly 20,000 feet and carries anti-tank missiles, TY-90 air-to-air missiles, and a 30mm cannon. It was originally considered a triumph of the Chinese industry, but it was actually designed by Russian manufacturer Kamov, the company behind the Ka-52 and Ka-50.

6. T-129

An upgraded version of the Italian A-129, the T-129 is a Turkish helicopter carrying robust UMTAS anti-tank missiles, rockets, and Stinger missiles. Its cannon is relatively small at 20mm but can zip around the battlefield at 150 knots, rivaling the newest Apaches.

7. Mi-24 Hind

The Mi-24 carries unguided anti-tank missiles by modern standards, but it’s great against infantry. Multi-barrel machine guns up to 30mm chew up enemy troops while thick armor grants near-immunity from ground fire up to .50-cal. It also doubles as a transport, carrying up to eight troops or four litters.

8. AH-1Z Viper

An upgraded version of the first attack helicopter, the Viper still has a lot of bite. Hellfire missiles destroy enemy tanks and ships while a 20mm cannon picks off dismounts and light vehicles. Sidewinder missiles allow it to engage enemy aircraft from a respectable distance.

9. AH-2 Rooivalk

The AH-2 is a South African helicopter that uses a stealthy design, electronic countermeasures, and armor to survive the battle.