Top 13 Military Forces with the Largest Helicopter Fleets. When people discuss air forces, conversations usually revolve around high-tech fighter jets and stealth bombers like the U.S. B-2 Spirit, which made headlines in June 2025 by dropping a 30,000-pound bunker buster on Iran. While these advanced aircraft steal the spotlight, combat helicopters are often the unsung heroes — serving as the real backbone of military operations worldwide.
Why Helicopters Matter More Than You Think
According to FlightGlobal’s 2025 World Air Forces directory, countries such as the United States, India, and South Korea operate more combat helicopters than combat aircraft. In fact, the U.S. flies more than double the number of helicopters compared to its combat aircraft fleet. Clearly, helicopters are essential in modern warfare — offering versatility, mobility, and vital close air support.
Let’s take a closer look at the 13 countries with the largest military helicopter fleets in 2025.
1. United States of America (USA): 5,547 Helicopters
The United States leads the global rankings by a massive margin. With 5,547 combat helicopters, the U.S. operates more than Russia and China combined. The U.S. Army dominates the helicopter fleet, flying 2,276 Sikorsky Black Hawks, with 245 more on order.
Even if the U.S. removed all its Black Hawks, it would still outpace every other nation in helicopter numbers.
2. Russia: 1,543 Helicopters
Russia follows distantly with 1,543 helicopters, which still makes up around 8% of the global helicopter fleet. It primarily relies on domestic models, such as the Mil Mi-8/17/171 (777 units) and Mil Mi-24/Mi-35 (325 units). Russia plans to introduce the Mi-80 by 2030 as a replacement for the aging Mi-8s.
3. China: 913 Helicopters
China’s military operates 913 combat helicopters, many of which are domestically produced. The Ground Force boasts 175 Z-19s and 106 Z-10s, along with 242 Russian-made Mi-17s and Mi-171s. China has also begun incorporating stealth-inspired models like the Z-20, based on the Sikorsky S-70.
4. India: 885 Helicopters
India holds a strong position with 885 helicopters, relying on a mix of Russian and indigenous models. Notably, India flies 222 Mi-17s and over 300 HAL Dhruv and Rudra variants. With 63 new Rudras on order, India’s helicopter capabilities are steadily growing.
5. South Korea – 757 Helicopters
South Korea operates a significant fleet of 757 helicopters, with a standout number of 251 MD500/MD530 helicopters. These are soon to be replaced by KAI’s Light Attack Helicopter. Additionally, the Republic of Korea Army flies 150 Surion KUH-1s, with more than 100 new units on order.
6. Japan: 581 Helicopters
Japan fields 581 helicopters, with 377 operated by the Ground Self-Defense Force. The most common model is the Fuji-Bell UH-1J, though it’s being phased out in favor of the UH-X. Japan also operates 214 Sikorsky S-70s, split across all three military branches.
7. Turkey – 410 Helicopters
Turkey still flies Bell UH-1Hs, with 86 in the Army and 56 in the Air Force. Additionally, the country is ramping up its fleet of T129 ATAK helicopters, with 41 more on order. Turkey’s Police force also uses T129s for counter-terrorism efforts in the southeast region.
8. France: 430 Helicopters
France flies 430 helicopters, including 104 SA342 Gazelles and 62 NH90s, with 18 more NH90s on the way. France also plans to modernize with the new Airbus H160M, with 169 units ordered across its three military branches.
9. Italy: 350 Helicopters
Italy fields 350 helicopters, dominated by locally manufactured models like the AW129, AW101, and AW139. The country is preparing to introduce the AW249, while NH90s have already begun replacing older helicopters like the Bell 205.
10. Egypt: 348 Helicopters
Egypt leads the Middle East in helicopter strength, flying 348 combat helicopters. These include 89 SA341/SA342 Gazelles, 62 Mi-8/Mi-17s, 46 AH-64D Apaches, and 46 Ka-52 Alligators — making Egypt one of the only nations to fly both high-end attack choppers.
11. Pakistan: 321 Helicopters
Pakistan operates 321 helicopters, mostly under Army command. Top models include the Mil Mi-8 and AH-1F Cobra, each with 50 units. Pakistan has 30 T129s on order, signaling a modern upgrade in the near future.
12. Algeria: 299 Helicopters
Algeria’s 299 helicopters are mostly Mi-8/17/171 models, totaling 140 units. It also flies 32 Mi-24s, and while there are no confirmed future orders, the country’s fleet remains diverse and regionally significant.
13. Germany: 278 Helicopters
Germany rounds out the list with 278 helicopters, primarily the CH-53G, NH90, and Eurocopter Tiger. The country is currently expanding its fleet, with 82 Airbus H145s and 60 CH-47F Chinooks on order.
