T129 ATAK vs AH-64 Apache vs Mi-28 Havoc: The Attack Helicopter Comparison
T129 ATAK vs AH-64 Apache vs Mi-28 Havoc: The Attack Helicopter Comparison
Three attack helicopter families dominate the export market: the U.S. Apache, the Russian Mi-28 / Ka-52, and the Turkish T129 ATAK family. With T929 entering service, Türkiye now offers both medium and heavy attack helicopters for export.
The Helicopters
| Parameter | T129 ATAK / T929 | AH-64E Apache Guardian | Mi-28NM Havoc / Ka-52M |
|---|---|---|---|
| Origin | Türkiye (TUSAŞ) | United States (Boeing) | Russia (Mil / Kamov) |
| Class | Medium (T129) / Heavy (T929) | Heavy | Heavy |
| Engines | 2 × LHTEC CTS800 (T129), 2 × TS1400 (T929) | 2 × T700-GE-701D | 2 × VK-2500 (Mi-28) |
| Max take-off | 5,000 kg (T129) | 10,400 kg | 11,500 kg (Mi-28) |
| Main gun | 20 mm M197 | 30 mm M230 | 30 mm 2A42 |
| ATGM | UMTAS, CIRIT, Spike NLOS | Hellfire, JAGM | Vikhr, Ataka |
| Air-to-air | Stinger / Mistral (config-dependent) | Stinger | Igla-V |
| Export operators | Philippines, Pakistan (cancelled / pending), Nigeria, others | 17+ operators | Algeria, Iraq, others |
The Apache Position
The AH-64E is the most refined attack helicopter on the market. It is also tied to a U.S. engine supply chain that creates real export bottlenecks — Pakistan’s T129 deal collapsed in part because the engine (LHTEC CTS800) required a U.S. export licence that did not arrive. Apache buyers face the same dynamic in reverse: long approvals, deep U.S. integration, sustainment lock-in.
The Russian Side
Mi-28NM and Ka-52M offer raw capability at a price point Western buyers cannot match. The combat record is mixed — Ukraine demonstrated both significant kills and serious losses. The political problem dominates the conversation today.
T129 Today, T929 Tomorrow
T129 is an AgustaWestland A129 Mangusta evolution with significant Turkish content. The engine supply issue (LHTEC CTS800) has been the recurring pain point for export — and the driver behind the indigenous TS1400 turboshaft that powers the heavier T929. T929 in production volume changes the export equation: a Turkish heavy attack helicopter with a sovereign engine, comparable to the Apache class, available to buyers Washington will not serve.
Verdict for Export Buyers
AH-64E Apache if you have U.S. alliance status, large budget and accept sustainment lock-in. Mi-28NM / Ka-52M only if you accept Russian alignment risk. T129 ATAK if you need a medium attack helicopter today and accept the U.S. engine licence consideration. T929 as the emerging heavy option with sovereign Turkish engine — the answer for buyers who specifically need Apache-class capability without U.S. dependency.
