Attack helicopters stand as formidable forces on the modern battlefield, providing crucial fire support and countering armored vehicles to ensure ground forces’ success. In Africa, various air forces are fortifying their helicopter fleets to enhance their capabilities in logistics, warfare, and rescue operations. Here, we present the top 10 most powerful attack helicopters making a significant impact on Africa’s evolving defense landscape.
The attack helicopter is a specialized aircraft that provides fire support for ground forces and engages enemy armored vehicles, fortifications, and personnel. Attack helicopters are equipped with various weapons, such as rockets, missiles, cannons, and machine guns. Attack helicopters are often used in close-air support (CAS) missions, where they cooperate with friendly ground units and provide them with accurate and timely firepower.
Africa is a continent that faces many security challenges, such as civil wars, insurgencies, terrorism, piracy, and border disputes. Many African countries have invested in acquiring and modernizing their attack helicopter fleets, to enhance their air power and combat capabilities. Some of the attack helicopters used by African air forces are imported from foreign suppliers, while others are developed and produced locally.
We will rank the top 10 most powerful attack helicopters in Africa, based on their performance, features, and service record. We will also provide some brief information about each helicopter and its operator.
10. SA342 Aérospatiale Gazelle
The SA342 Aérospatiale Gazelle is a light utility and attack helicopter developed by the French company Aérospatiale in the 1960s. The Gazelle is a versatile helicopter that can perform various roles, such as reconnaissance, observation, transport, training, and anti-tank. The Gazelle can carry up to four passengers, or two stretchers, or 590 kg of cargo. The Gazelle can be armed with a 20 mm cannon, or four HOT anti-tank missiles, or four Mistral air-to-air missiles, or 68 mm rockets.
The SA342 Gazelle, with its sleek design, serves as a light attack and reconnaissance helicopter. Its agility and versatility make it a valuable asset for a range of operational requirements.
The Gazelle is operated by several African countries, such as Algeria, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Chad, Djibouti, Egypt, Gabon, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Libya, Morocco, Niger, Rwanda, Senegal, Sudan, Tunisia, and Zimbabwe. The Gazelle has seen combat action in various conflicts, such as the Western Sahara War, the Chadian Civil War, the Libyan Civil War, and the Mali War.
9. MD Helicopters (MDH) MD 530F Cayuse Warrior Plus
The MD Helicopters (MDH) MD 530F Cayuse Warrior Plus is a light scout and attack helicopter developed by the American company MD Helicopters in the 1980s. The MD 530F is a variant of the MD 500 series, which are based on the Hughes OH-6 Cayuse. The MD 530F has a five-blade main rotor and a four-blade tail rotor, which provide improved performance and maneuverability. The MD 530F can carry up to three passengers, or 680 kg of cargo. The MD 530F can be armed with a 12.7 mm machine gun, or two FN Herstal HMP400 pods, or four AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, or seven Hydra 70 rockets.
The MD 530F is a light attack helicopter known for its agility and effectiveness. Often used in irregular warfare scenarios, it provides precision firepower in challenging environments.
The MD 530F is operated by Kenya, Uganda, and Nigeria in Africa. The MD 530F has been used for counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations, as well as border patrol and security missions.
8. Mil Mi-17 Multi-role Helicopter
The Mil Mi-17 is a medium-lift transport and attack helicopter developed by the Soviet company Mil in the 1970s. The Mi-17 is a derivative of the Mi-8, which is one of the most widely used helicopters in the world. The Mi-17 has a five-blade main rotor and a three-blade tail rotor, which provide enhanced performance and reliability. The Mi-17 can carry up to 24 passengers, or 12 stretchers, or 4,000 kg of cargo. The Mi-17 can be armed with a 12.7 mm machine gun, or two 23 mm cannons, or four Shturm-V or Ataka-V anti-tank missiles, or four Igla or R-60 air-to-air missiles, or 80 mm or 122 mm rockets.
While primarily a transport helicopter, the Mil Mi-17 is adapted for multi-role capabilities. Its flexibility allows it to undertake troop transport, medical evacuation, and fire support roles as needed.
The Mi-17 is operated by many African countries, such as Algeria, Angola, Burkina Faso, Benin, Cameroon, Chad, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, Mali, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigér, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sudan, Togo, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. The Mi-17 has been used for various roles, such as transport, assault, medevac, search and rescue, and fire support.
7. Mi-24/35 Hind
The Mi-24/35 Hind is a large gunship and attack helicopter developed by the Soviet company Mil in the 1970s. The Hind is a unique helicopter that combines the features of a transport and a combat helicopter. The Hind has a tandem cockpit for the pilot and the gunner, and a cabin for up to eight passengers, or four stretchers, or 1,500 kg of cargo. The Hind can be armed with a 12.7 mm machine gun, or a 30 mm cannon, or eight AT-6 Spiral or AT-9 Ataka anti-tank missiles, or four R-60 or Igla air-to-air missiles, or 57 mm or 80 mm rockets.
The Mi-24/35 Hind series remains a workhorse in many African air forces. Known for its durability and firepower, it serves in both attack and transport roles, making it a versatile asset.
The Hind is operated by several African countries, such as Algeria, Angola, Burkina Faso, Chad, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ivory Coast, Libya, Mali, Nigeria, Sudan, Senegal, Togo, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. The Hind has seen extensive combat action in various conflicts, such as the Angolan Civil War, the Ethiopian Civil War, the Libyan Civil War, and the Nigerian Civil War.
6. Rooivalk
The Rooivalk is a single-engine attack helicopter developed by the South African company Denel in the 1990s. The Rooivalk is the first and only attack helicopter designed and produced in Africa. The Rooivalk is based on the Aérospatiale SA 330 Puma, which is a medium-lift transport helicopter. The Rooivalk has a five-blade main rotor and a four-blade tail rotor, which provide high performance and stability. The Rooivalk has a tandem cockpit for the pilot and the gunner, and a chin-mounted turret for the weapons. The Rooivalk can be armed with a 20 mm cannon, or eight Mokopa or AGM-114 Hellfire anti-tank missiles, or four Mistral or FIM-92 Stinger air-to-air missiles, or 70 mm or 68 mm rockets.
The Rooivalk is operated by South Africa in Africa, which ordered 12 units in 1999. The Rooivalk has been used for peacekeeping and combat operations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where it proved its effectiveness and reliability.
Originating from South Africa, the Rooivalk attack helicopter boasts a unique tandem cockpit design. Armed with a range of munitions, it provides crucial support to ground forces in various operational scenarios. The Rooivalk is being modernized by Denel and Turkish Aselsan.
5. AH-1Z Viper/ AH-1 Cobra
The AH-1Z Viper is a twin-engine attack helicopter developed by the American company Bell in the 2000s. The Viper is an upgraded version of the AH-1W Super Cobra, which is based on the AH-1 Cobra, the first dedicated attack helicopter in the world. The Viper has a four-blade main rotor and a four-blade tail rotor, which provide improved performance and reduced noise. The Viper has a tandem cockpit for the pilot and the co-pilot/gunner, and a chin-mounted turret for the weapons. The Viper can be armed with a 20 mm cannon, or 16 AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, or 16 APKWS II rockets, or four AIM-9 Sidewinder or AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air missiles.
As a part of the H-1 upgrade program, the AH-1Z Viper brings modernized capabilities to the battlefield. Equipped with precision-guided munitions, it excels in anti-armor and close air support roles.
The Viper is operated by Nigeria in Africa, which ordered 24 units in 2019. The Viper is expected to enhance the Nigerian air force’s capabilities in terms of precision strike, reconnaissance, and air defense. The Super Cobra is operated by Kenya.
4. T-129 ATAK
The T-129 ATAK is a twin-engine attack helicopter developed by the Turkish company TAI in the 2010s. The ATAK is a variant of the Agusta A129 Mangusta, which is the first attack helicopter designed and produced in Europe. The ATAK has a five-blade main rotor and a two-blade tail rotor, which provide high performance and agility. The ATAK has a tandem cockpit for the pilot and the gunner, and a nose-mounted turret for the weapons. The ATAK can be armed with a 20 mm cannon, or eight UMTAS or AGM-114 Hellfire anti-tank missiles, or 12 CIRIT or Hydra 70 rockets, or four Stinger or Mistral air-to-air missiles.
The ATAK is operated by Nigeria in Africa, which ordered 6 units in 2019. The ATAK is expected to boost the Nigerian air force’s capabilities in terms of counter-terrorism and border security.
The T-129 ATAK, a Turkish attack helicopter, offers exceptional performance with advanced avionics and weaponry. It is a versatile platform capable of conducting a wide range of missions, from armed reconnaissance to anti-tank engagements.
3. Mi-28 Havoc
The Mi-28 Havoc is a twin-engine attack helicopter developed by the Soviet company Mil in the 1980s. The Havoc is a dedicated attack helicopter that is designed to operate in all-weather and day-night conditions. The Havoc has a five-blade main rotor and a four-blade tail rotor, which provide high speed and maneuverability. The Havoc has a tandem cockpit for the pilot and the gunner, and a chin-mounted turret for the weapons. The Havoc can be armed with a 30 mm cannon, or 16 AT-9 Ataka or AT-6 Spiral anti-tank missiles, or four Igla or R-73 air-to-air missiles, or 80 mm or 122 mm rockets.
The Havoc is operated by Algeria and Uganda in Africa, Algeria ordered 42 units in 2014, while Uganda three in 2020. The Havoc is expected to enhance the Algerian and Ugandan air force’s capabilities in terms of anti-tank and anti-helicopter warfare.
The Mi-28 Havoc is a dedicated attack helicopter with a streamlined design for efficient combat operations. Armed with guided missiles and a 30mm cannon, it provides superior firepower on the battlefield.
2. Ka-52 Alligator
The Ka-52 Alligator is a twin-engine attack helicopter developed by the Russian company Kamov in the 1990s. The Alligator is a coaxial rotor helicopter, which means it has two contra-rotating main rotors, which provide high speed, maneuverability, and stability. The Alligator has a side-by-side cockpit for the pilot and the gunner, and a nose-mounted turret for the weapons. The Alligator can be armed with a 30 mm cannon, or 12 Vikhr or Ataka anti-tank missiles, or four Igla or R-73 air-to-air missiles, or 80 mm or 122 mm rockets.
The Alligator is operated by Egypt in Africa, which ordered 46 units in 2015. The Alligator is expected to enhance the Egyptian air force’s capabilities in terms of anti-tank and anti-helicopter warfare, as well as reconnaissance and electronic warfare.
The Ka-52 Alligator, with its coaxial rotor system and dual-seat cockpit, is a formidable attack helicopter. Its advanced avionics and weaponry make it a vital asset for air forces seeking a reliable platform for various missions.
1. AH-64 Apache
The AH-64 Apache is a twin-engine attack helicopter developed by the American company Boeing in the 1980s. The Apache is the most advanced and widely used attack helicopter in the world, with over 2,000 units in service in 16 countries. The Apache has a four-blade main rotor and a four-blade tail rotor, which provide high performance and agility. The Apache has a tandem cockpit for the pilot and the gunner, and a chin-mounted turret for the weapons. The Apache can be armed with a 30 mm cannon, or 16 AGM-114 Hellfire or Spike anti-tank missiles, or four AIM-92 Stinger or AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles, or 76 Hydra 70 or CRV7 rockets.
The Apache is operated by Morocco and Egypt in Africa, Morocco ordered 24 units in 2019, while Egypt ordered 46 in 2018. In November 2018 Egypt requested the sale of ten AH-64E Apaches for an estimated $1 billion. The Apache is expected to boost the both air force’s capabilities in terms of precision strike, reconnaissance, and air defense. The Apache is also the most combat-proven attack helicopter in the world, having participated in various conflicts, such as the Gulf War, the Kosovo War, the Iraq War, the Afghanistan War, and the Syrian Civil War.
Renowned for its versatility, the AH-64 Apache is a mainstay in many African air forces. Armed with Hellfire missiles and a 30mm chain gun, it excels in anti-armor and close air support missions.
Conclusion
As African air forces continue to modernize and enhance their capabilities, the incorporation of powerful attack helicopters becomes paramount. These helicopters, with their advanced technology and firepower, contribute significantly to the effectiveness of ground operations. The evolving defense landscape in Africa reflects the strategic importance of these top 10 attack helicopters, shaping the future of military capabilities on the continent.