8 Best Aircrafts in GTA Online

GTA Online is packed with all kinds of aircraft, from fast fighter jets to versatile helicopters and heavy bombers built for chaos. Flying is one of the most exciting parts of the game, giving players total freedom to explore Los Santos from above or rain destruction on enemies below. With so many options available, it can be tough to know which ones are worth the investment. Whether you’re looking for speed, firepower, or overall utility, this list covers the 8 best aircraft in GTA Online that deliver the perfect balance of performance, versatility, and fun.

#8: Sparrow

The Sparrow is one of the most practical and versatile helicopters in GTA Online, designed for players who value speed and convenience. This compact two-seater chopper can be fully customized in the Kosatka submarine and is perfect for quick getaways or completing the Cayo Perico Heist efficiently. One of its biggest advantages is how easily it spawns nearby, saving players from the hassle of traveling to a helipad or hangar. It’s also among the fastest helicopters in the game, making it ideal for grinding missions and quick travel across Los Santos. The Sparrow can be equipped with either homing missiles or machine guns, giving it solid offensive options, and players can install countermeasures to dodge incoming rockets. While the Sea Sparrow variant can land on water, it can’t be stored in the Kosatka, making the standard Sparrow the better and more flexible choice overall.

#7: Nagasaki Buzzard Attack Chopper

The Nagasaki Buzzard Attack Chopper is easily one of the best early-game aircraft in GTA Online and a must-own for players looking to boost their mobility and firepower. Despite its affordable price, this helicopter offers impressive speed and agility, making it perfect for quick travel or completing missions efficiently. It’s equipped with machine guns and both homing and non-homing missiles, giving players reliable offensive options whether they’re targeting vehicles or enemy NPCs. One of the biggest perks of the Buzzard is its accessibility — players can summon it instantly through the CEO Vehicle menu, Pegasus, or as a personal aircraft, allowing them to have multiple Buzzards ready whenever needed. Its balance of price, performance, and convenience makes it one of the most practical helicopters in GTA Online for grinding, missions, or just exploring Los Santos from the skies.

#6: Mammoth Hydra

The Mammoth Hydra remains one of the most iconic aircraft in GTA Online, known for its versatility and powerful arsenal. As the first jet in the game to feature vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL), it allows players to switch between hover and flight modes seamlessly, making it ideal for both combat and quick travel. While its explosive cannons were slightly nerfed over time, they’re still highly effective, especially when paired with the Hydra’s homing and non-homing missiles. Once airborne, the Hydra reaches impressive speeds, though its initial acceleration is slower compared to newer jets. Despite this, it continues to deliver incredible value for its price — costing nearly half of the P-996 Lazer while offering similar firepower and utility. Players can customize its color at the hangar, but what truly makes the Hydra shine is its balance of affordability, performance, and classic design — a must-own jet for any pilot looking to dominate the skies of Los Santos.

#5: B-11 Strikeforce

The B-11 Strikeforce is one of the most overlooked aircraft in GTA Online, yet it’s easily one of the most balanced and versatile jets you can own. While most players gravitate toward faster options like the Hydra or Lazer, the Strikeforce offers a unique mix of power and precision that sets it apart. It features a missile barrage system and a bomb bay — a rare combination that gives it both offensive strength and strategic flexibility during missions or free-roam battles. One standout feature of the B-11 is how it automatically adjusts its speed when flying close to the ground, making it easier to control during low-altitude combat or while lining up bombing runs. It also has solid handling, impressive maneuverability, and a tighter turning radius than most jets, making it surprisingly effective in dogfights. For players who want a combat aircraft that combines firepower, control, and reliability, the B-11 Strikeforce is an underrated gem that deserves more recognition in GTA Online’s aerial lineup.

#4: FH-1 Hunter

The FH-1 Hunter is one of GTA Online’s most iconic military helicopters, bringing back the classic firepower that longtime fans of the series will instantly recognize. Known for its deadly arsenal and solid durability, the Hunter is built for all-out combat. It packs a 7-missile barrage capable of wiping out vehicles, players, or even entire convoys in seconds, while its bomb bay lets players unleash explosive, gas, or incendiary payloads with devastating effect. The co-pilot can also control the explosive autocannon, giving the chopper an extra layer of offensive capability. In terms of defense, the Hunter can withstand up to three explosive hits and comes equipped with countermeasures, allowing players to survive longer in heated battles. With its excellent mix of attack options, durability, and customization potential at the hangar workshop, the FH-1 Hunter stands as one of the most well-rounded and reliable attack helicopters in GTA Online.

#3: Avenger

The Avenger has evolved into one of the most dominant aircraft in GTA Online, standing as a true flying fortress that combines raw power with unmatched versatility. This massive plane allows players to unleash chaos from above with its deadly remote-controlled turrets capable of destroying unarmored vehicles in a single hit. Thanks to updates from the San Andreas Mercenaries DLC, the Avenger now supports even more customization — players can equip it with homing missiles, machine guns, bombs, and performance upgrades to turn it into a fully loaded combat powerhouse. Its defensive capabilities are just as impressive, capable of surviving up to 23 homing missiles or 8 RPG hits before being destroyed. For added stealth, players can install a stealth module, though activating it forces the aircraft to hover in place. Beyond combat, the Avenger also serves as a mobile command center, with the option to install an Operations Terminal for launching special missions. With its blend of heavy firepower, durability, and customization options, the Avenger remains one of the most essential aircraft for dominating both air and ground battles in GTA Online.

#2: Buckingham Akula

The Buckingham Akula stands out as the ultimate attack helicopter in GTA Online, combining deadly firepower with impressive versatility. As a four-seater combat chopper, it offers everything a player could want in an aerial weapon — from machine guns and homing missiles to a powerful four-missile barrage and an optional bomb bay capable of clearing large areas in seconds. The co-pilot can also control a 0.50 cal minigun turret, which can be upgraded into a dual-barrel setup for even more destructive power. On the defensive side, the Akula can tank up to three homing missiles or RPG hits, giving players a strong chance to survive heated encounters. What truly sets it apart, though, is its stealth mode — when activated, the Akula disappears from the radar, allowing players to move undetected and ambush enemies with ease. With its combination of agility, durability, and top-tier weapon options, the Akula is a must-own helicopter for anyone serious about dominating the skies in GTA Online.

#1: Mammoth F-160 Raiju

The Mammoth F-160 Raiju is easily one of the most impressive aircraft ever added to GTA 5 Online, setting a new standard for speed, precision, and control in the skies. As the fastest jet in the entire game, the Raiju outpaces classics like the P-996 Lazer and Hydra with ease, making it the go-to option for players who want unmatched mobility and style. What makes it even better is its VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) mode, allowing players to switch between hover and jet flight for smoother landings and quick maneuvering in tight spaces. Whether you’re escaping enemies, dominating aerial dogfights, or just traveling across Los Santos at lightning speed, the Raiju delivers both performance and versatility. Its futuristic design, rapid acceleration, and unmatched handling make it not only a powerhouse in combat but also one of the most rewarding aircraft to own in GTA Online.

Conclusion

In a game as fast-paced and chaotic as GTA Online, having the right aircraft can make all the difference between surviving and dominating. Whether you prefer the raw power of the Raiju, the stealth capabilities of the Akula, or the all-around utility of the Avenger, each of these aircraft offers something unique for every playstyle. From stealth missions to all-out dogfights, the skies of Los Santos are yours to control with the right setup. Investing in one of these top-tier aircraft not only enhances mobility but also gives players a serious advantage in both combat and daily operations. No matter your goal—speed, firepower, or flexibility—these eight aircraft represent the best options for players who want to truly own the skies in GTA Online.