When it comes to air forces, attention often turns to high-tech combat aircraft such as the B-2 Spirit or the F-47. However, the true backbone of many of the world’s militaries often goes unnoticed: combat helicopters.
FlightGlobal’s World Air Forces 2025 guide compares countries based on the number of active combat helicopters in their inventories, revealing an eye-opening picture. The data shows that many nations operate far more helicopters than fighter jets.
USA, the Clear Leader
The United States tops the list with 5,547 combat helicopters, more than double its number of fighter jets. The most common model is the legendary Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk. The US Army alone operates 2,276 Black Hawks, with another 245 on order.
Russia and China Follow
Russia ranks second with 1,543 helicopters. The most widely used models include the Mil Mi-8, Mi-24, and Ka-52 Alligator.
China comes in third with 913 helicopters. While the majority are domestically produced, the country’s inventory also includes imported models such as the Mi-17, Ka-28, and Sikorsky S-70.
Strong Players from Asia: India, South Korea, Japan
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India: Fourth place with 885 helicopters, including the domestically produced HAL Dhruv and Rudra, as well as the Mil Mi-17.
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South Korea: Notable with 763 helicopters. A major user of the MD500, South Korea is modernising its fleet with the new KUH-1 Surion and T129 ATAK helicopters.
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Japan: Holds 581 helicopters, with licence-built Fuji-Bell UH-1J and the next-generation UH-X standing out.
Turkey’s Notable Presence
With nearly 500 combat helicopters, Turkey holds an important position in the global rankings. The Turkish Land and Air Forces still actively operate Bell UH-1H helicopters, along with various other models such as the T129 ATAK, AH-1 Cobra, Bell 205, and S-70 Black Hawk. The T129 ATAK is also reported to be in use by the Police Special Operations Department.
The Situation in Europe
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France: Leads Europe with 430 helicopters, dominated by Airbus and Aérospatiale-built platforms.
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Italy: Follows with 350 helicopters, featuring locally produced models such as the AW129 Mangusta, AW101, and AW139.
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Germany: With 278 helicopters, remains in the top 15, operating CH-53G, NH90, and Tiger helicopters.
Algeria Stands Out in Africa
Algeria operates 299 helicopters, making it Africa’s largest operator. Russian-made Mi-8/17, Mi-24, and Mi-171 helicopters make up most of the fleet.
MENA Region Leader: Egypt
Egypt leads the Middle East and North Africa with 348 helicopters. It is one of the few countries to operate both the Apache AH-64D and the Ka-52 Alligator, sourced from different suppliers.
Expert Opinion: Helicopters Are the True Backbone of Armed Forces
The FlightGlobal report highlights that while fighter jets often dominate the headlines, helicopters determine much of a country’s real operational capability. Offering flexibility in both transport and attack missions, these platforms have become indispensable components of modern defence strategies.
