In 1935, the German company Heinkel flew the first military helicopter. By 1942, as World War II waged on, the first full-scale helicopters were produced. During this massive second world war, helicopters saw wide-spread military use, as the British government began using these new craft for rescue missions. Decades later, the Apache attack helicopter hit the scene, introduced to the American military in 1986.
According to Boeing, the Apache attack helicopter, or AH-64, is “the world’s most advanced, proven attack helicopter for the U.S. Army.” This modern craft uses affordable Modular Open Systems Architecture and an integrated weapons system to succeed in high-stress battles. The Apache’s maneuverability and performance are unmatched by any other helicopter on Earth.
To identify the countries with the most AH-64 Apache attack helicopters, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed the 2024 World Air Forces report from FlightGlobal, an aviation and aerospace industry publication. We ranked these countries according to the number of AH-64s currently in service. We included supplemental information regarding active AH-64s in respective fleets, military branches that will be using these aircraft, and what variants of the AH-64 are on order or currently in service.
What makes these helicopters especially popular is that they typically serve one role: combat. The AH-64 is outfitted with a 30mm Hughes cannon standard in a traversing chin-mounted position. It can be equipped with a series of missiles including anti-tank hellfire missiles, air-to-air Sidewinder missiles, and Singer anti-air missiles.
Apache AH-64 attack helicopters can reach top speeds of 183 mph and have an operational range of 298 miles with a maximum ceiling of roughly 21,000 feet.
These iconic helicopters have been in service all around the world. Widely employed by many nations, the Apache will continue to be the preeminent attack helicopter.
Why We Are Mentioning This
America has been involved in many wars over the years. As a country largely known for its military power, The United States has an expansive arsenal of advanced craft, many of which have served our nation and protected our defenses for years. From aircraft carriers to tanks to advanced aircraft, the equipment used by the U.S. military is impressive. The Apache helicopter is one such modern vehicle that continues to excel at its mission.
Here is a look at the countries with the most Apache attack helicopters:
19. Poland
- Active aircraft: 1
- Aircraft on order: 96
- Military branches: Polish Land Forces
- Variant(s): AH-64E
18. Morocco
- Active aircraft: 1
- Aircraft on order: 36
- Military branches: Royal Moroccan Air Force
- Variant(s): AH-64E
17. Australia
- Active aircraft: 1
- Aircraft on order: 29
- Military branches: Royal Australian Army
- Variant(s): AH-64E
16. Indonesia
- Active aircraft: 8
- Aircraft on order: 0
- Military branches: Indonesian Army
- Variant(s): AH-64E
15. Japan
- Active aircraft: 12
- Aircraft on order: 0
- Military branches: Japan Ground Self-Defense Force
- Variant(s): AH-64D
14. Kuwait
- Active aircraft: 16
- Aircraft on order: 8
- Military branches: Kuwait Air Force
- Variant(s): AH-64D/E
13. Singapore
- Active aircraft: 18
- Aircraft on order: 0
- Military branches: Republic of Singapore Air Force
- Variant(s): AH-64D
12. Netherlands
- Active aircraft: 21
- Aircraft on order: 0
- Military branches: Netherlands Defense Helicopter Command
- Variant(s): AH-64D
11. India
- Active aircraft: 22
- Aircraft on order: 17
- Military branches: Indian Air Force, Indian Army Aviation
- Variant(s): AH-64E
10. Qatar
- Active aircraft: 24
- Aircraft on order: 24
- Military branches: Qatar Emiri Air Force
- Variant(s): AH-64E
9. Taiwan
- Active aircraft: 29
- Aircraft on order: 0
- Military branches: Republic of China Army
- Variant(s): AH-64E
8. Greece
- Active aircraft: 29
- Aircraft on order: 0
- Military branches: Hellenic Army Aviation
- Variant(s): AH-64A/D
7. United Arab Emirates
- Active aircraft: 30
- Aircraft on order: 39
- Military branches: United Arab Emirates Joint Air Command
- Variant(s): AH-64D/E
6. Saudi Arabia
- Active aircraft: 34
- Aircraft on order: 49
- Military branches: Royal Saudi Land Forces, Saudi Arabian National Guard
- Variant(s): AH-64A/D/E
5. South Korea
- Active aircraft: 36
- Aircraft on order: 0
- Military branches: Republic of Korea Army
- Variant(s): AH-64E
4. Egypt
- Active aircraft: 46
- Aircraft on order: 0
- Military branches: Egyptian Air Force
- Variant(s): AH-64D
3. Israel
- Active aircraft: 48
- Aircraft on order: 0
- Military branches: Israel Air and Space Force
- Variant(s): AH-64A/D
2. United Kingdom
- Active aircraft: 52
- Aircraft on order: 14
- Military branches: Army Air Corps
- Variant(s): AH-64D/E
1. United States
- Active aircraft: 824
- Aircraft on order: 15
- Military branches: United States Army
- Variant(s): AH-64D/E
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