Top 5 African countries with the largest helicopter fleets

Helicopters have become key players in modern militaries, offering flexibility for combat, surveillance, transport, and humanitarian missions. In Africa, Egypt has the biggest military helicopter fleet with 338 choppers, ranking it 11th in the world.

Countries around the globe are stepping up their defence game to tackle new threats, with a big emphasis on air mobility and quick responses. Helicopters have become key players in modern militaries, offering flexibility for combat, surveillance, transport, and humanitarian missions.

According to a Global Firepower report, the United States of America leads the world with the largest military helicopter fleet, boasting 5,737 units. Russia ranks second with a fleet of 1,547 helicopters, followed by China with 913.

In Africa, where unique security issues like terrorism, civil unrest, and cross-border conflicts are on the rise, having a nimble military response is super important. As a result, many African countries are boosting their helicopter fleets, realizing they need versatile air support for all sorts of situations.

On the continent, Egypt has the biggest military helicopter fleet with 338 choppers, ranking it 11th in the world. Algeria’s close behind with 298 helicopters, sitting at 13th globally. Angola comes in third on the continent with 116 helicopters, holding the 34th spot worldwide.

In the context of the Global Firepower (GFP) ranking, helicopters encompass all operating types, such as transport, attack, and gunships. Notable examples include the Russian Mi-17 ‘Hip’ and the American Sikorsky UH-60 ‘Black Hawk.’ The data provided in this list is current through 2024.