--- title: "The 9 best attack helicopters in the world" date: "2018-04-02" modified: "2020-10-21" authors: - name: "Logan Nye" job_title: "Senior Contributor, Army Veteran" link: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/authors/logan-nye/" url: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/articles/9-best-attack-helicopters-world/" categories: - "Aircraft" - "Tactical" --- # The 9 best attack helicopters in the world ![]() Attack helicopters are fierce predators that go after enemy troop formations and guard friendlies. Here are the 9 that most effectively prowl the battlefield: --- ### 1. Ka-52 "Alligator" ![]() *Photo: Youtube* Capable of operating at high altitude and speed, the two-seater [Ka-52]() snags the top spot from the usual winner, the Apache. The Alligator's anti-ship missiles have better range than the Apache and the helicopter boasts similar armor and air-to-air capability. A one-seat version, the Ka-50, is also lethal. ### 2. AH-64 Apache ![]() *Photo: Crown Copyright/Staff Sgt. Mike Harvey* The AH-64 is armed with a lot of weapons including Hellfire missiles, 70mm rockets, and a 30mm automatic cannon. Its tracks 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" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8T2lqjCYai0 The night-capable version of the [Mi-28, the "Havoc"]() carries anti-tank missiles that can pierce a meter of armor. It also has pods for 80mm unguided rockets, five 122mm rockets grenade launchers, 23mm guns, 12.7mm or 7.62mm machine guns, or bombs. It also has a 30mm cannon mounted under its nose. ### 4. Eurocopter Tiger ![]() *Photo: Wikipedia/bidgee* [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 missiles as well as countermeasures for incoming missiles . ### 5. Z-10 ![]() *Photo: Youtube* The Z-10 has an altitude ceiling of nearly 20,000 feet and carries capable anti-tank missiles, TY-90 air-to-air missiles, and a 30mm cannon. The [Z-10]() was originally considered a triumph of the Chinese defense industry, but it was [actually designed by Russian manufacturer Kamov](), the company behind the Ka-52 and Ka-50. ### 6. T-129 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MuVWcAOZkxs 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 it can zip around the battlefield at 150 knots, rivaling the newest Apaches. ### 7. Mi-24 Hind ![]() *Photo: Youtube* The [Mi-24]() carries understrength anti-tank missiles by modern standards, but it's great against infantry. Multiple 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 infantrymen or four litters. ### 8. AH-1Z Viper ![]() *Photo: US Navy Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Rebekah Adler* A heavily 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 air from a respectable distance. ### 9. AH-2 Rooivalk ![]() *Photo: Youtube* The [AH-2]() is a South African helicopter that uses a stealthy design, electronic countermeasures, and armor to survive threats on the battlefield. While it's there, it fires a 20mm cannon, TOW or ZT-6 Mokopa anti-tank missiles, or rockets at its enemies. There are plans for it to gain an air-to-air capability. ## Author Logan was an Army journalist and paratrooper in the 82nd. Now, he's a freelance writer covering military history, culture, and technology. He has two upcoming podcasts and a Twitch channel focused on basic military literacy. ### Author social links [Twitter]() [Facebook]()