Attack helicopters are more than flying guns,they are versatile platforms that offer close air support, armed reconnaissance, and rapid response in environments where fixed-wing aircraft cannot operate. 

Their speed, agility, and heavy armament make them indispensable for modern militaries facing both conventional battles and asymmetric threats. 

As nations invest in these rotary-wing workhorses, the size and capability of their fleets often reflect broader defence priorities and regional security concerns. 

Here’s a closer look at the 10 countries with the largest attack helicopter 2025:

1. United States – Roughly 1,000 Aircraft

The United States leads by a wide margin, operating close to a thousand attack helicopters such as the AH-64 Apache and its latest AH-64E Guardian variant. These gunships form the backbone of the U.S. Army and Marine Corps aviation, providing precision strike against armoured vehicles, fortified positions, and insurgent hideouts. 

Apaches have seen combat from the deserts of the Middle East to the mountains of Afghanistan, proving their worth in harsh conditions.

Beyond sheer numbers, the U.S. fleet benefits from continuous upgrades: new sensors, improved avionics, and enhanced networking let these helicopters share targeting data in real time with ground forces and drones.

2. Russia – Approximately 559 Aircraft

Russia’s fleet of about 560 attack helicopters, chiefly the Kamov Ka-52 “Alligator” and Mil Mi-28 “Havoc”, underscores its emphasis on close air support for ground troops. These rotorcraft can operate from austere forward bases in polar winters or desert heat, thanks to robust engines and rugged airframes. 

Both Ka-52 and Mi-28 feature advanced helmet-mounted sights and radar systems that let pilots engage targets day or night.

Russia continues to produce new airframes even as it upgrades older Mi-24 “Hind” models, ensuring its helicopter arm remains a potent force in conflicts near its borders and in expeditionary missions abroad.

3. China – About 281 Aircraft

China has built roughly 280 attack helicopters, including the Z-10 and Z-19, to bolster its rapid-reaction capabilities across Asia. The Z-10, China’s first purpose-built attack helicopter, carries anti-tank missiles and a nose-mounted 30mm cannon. Meanwhile, the lighter Z-19 emphasises reconnaissance and quick-strike missions with guided rockets. 

As China expands its influence in the South China Sea and along its expansive land borders, these helicopters provide a mobile punch that complements ground and naval forces. Ongoing modernisation includes upgrading engines for hot-weather performance and integrating more advanced targeting systems.

4. Japan – 119 Aircraft

Japan relies on the AH-64D Apache to defend its island chain and maritime approaches, fielding about 119 of these helicopters under the Ground Self-Defence Force. Situated in a rugged, volcanic archipelago, Japan values the Apache’s manoeuvrability and long loiter times. 

These helicopters train regularly with U.S. forces in joint exercises, honing tactics for repelling amphibious assaults or responding to natural disasters. Tokyo has also invested in advanced anti-ship missiles for its Apaches, recognising that in a maritime environment, helicopters can extend the reach of island defences.

5. South Korea – 114 Aircraft

South Korea’s fleet of roughly 114 AH-64E Apaches underscores its priority on deterrence and interoperability with American forces along the Demilitarised Zone. In addition to anti-tank missiles and precision munitions, South Korea has tailored some systems for harsh winters and rugged mountains. 

Frequent drills demonstrate the helicopters’ ability to suppress enemy armour breakthroughs, while joint exercises with U.S. units refine combined arms tactics. Seoul is now exploring options to domestically produce future rotorcraft, aiming to expand its industrial base and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers.

6. Türkiye – 111 Aircraft

Türkiye fields about 111 attack helicopters, including the Turkish-built T-129 ATAK and a complement of Apaches. The T-129, derived from Italy’s A129 Mangusta, carries a 20mm cannon, guided missiles, and rockets tailored for mountain warfare. 

These helicopters have seen action against insurgent groups in rugged southeast Turkey and have deployed across borders in peacekeeping and counter-terrorism missions. As Ankara looks to export defence products, the T-129 program serves both as a strategic asset and a showcase for Turkish aerospace capabilities.

7. Egypt – 100 Aircraft

Egypt maintains a fleet of around 100 attack helicopters, mixing AH-64 Apaches with Russian Mi-35s. These aircraft support operations across the vast deserts of the Sinai, securing borders and countering militant activity. 

The Apache’s long-range and heavy armament help Cairo patrol sensitive areas along the Suez Canal and the Libyan frontier. Egypt has invested in a maintenance infrastructure and pilot training programs to keep these helicopters mission-ready, reflecting the regime’s focus on internal security and regional influence.

8. Taiwan – 91 Aircraft

Taiwan fields about 91 attack helicopters, predominantly AH-64Ds, to strengthen its island defence posture. Given rising tensions across the Taiwan Strait, these helicopters serve as mobile launch platforms for anti-ship and anti-armour weapons intended to deter or delay any amphibious invasion. 

Regular drills simulate coastal defence scenarios, coordinating helicopters with coastal missile batteries and fast-attack craft. Taipei also invests in enhanced electronic warfare suites for its rotary wing fleet, seeking to operate effectively in contested electromagnetic environments.

9. Algeria – 75 Aircraft

Algeria’s 75-strong attack helicopter force, largely composed of Mil Mi-24 and Mi-28 models, plays a critical role in patrolling the expansive Sahara and securing mountain passes along its northern borders. 

The Mi-28’s heavy armour and firepower help Algerian forces counter smuggling networks and extremist groups operating in remote desert regions. 

Training programs emphasise desert survival and cross-border coordination, while logistics units work to ensure helicopter availability in harsh conditions.

10. France – 69 Aircraft

France rounds out the top ten with about 69 Eurocopter (now Airbus Helicopters) Tiger attack helicopters. These twin-engine, stealth-enhanced gunships are deployed with both the Army and Navy, conducting reconnaissance, anti-armour, and special operations support. 

Tigers have seen action in Mali, the Central African Republic, and other theatres under France’s rapid-response umbrella. Paris continues to upgrade its Tigers with new sensor packages and munitions, cementing the helicopter’s role in expeditionary operations and Europe’s collective defence.