BLUFOR

BLUFOR an abbreviation for “Blue Force,” represents one of the key factions in any mission scenario. This faction aligns with NATO, comprising the United States and its European allies, and employs equipment consistent with NATO standards. The term originates from U.S. military exercises where friendly forces are marked in blue, contrasting with the opposition, known as “OPFOR,” often depicted with Soviet-era gear.

BLUFOR’s arsenal spans a diverse range of weaponry and vehicles, reflecting the contributions of various NATO member nations. While comparable in diversity to OPFOR, BLUFOR equipment exhibits distinct characteristics. Their vehicles tend to prioritize agility and speed, while infantry gear emphasizes ease of use and disposability. Moreover, BLUFOR emphasizes vehicle design for enhanced survivability and crew comfort, with advanced optics and guided weaponry being more prevalent.

In community missions, BLUFOR typically engages OPFOR across a spectrum of scenarios, with players predominantly assuming the roles within BLUFOR while the Game Master and AI manage the opposing forces. Though less common, scenarios may occasionally reverse roles, showcasing the flexibility of mission dynamics.

Hostile encounters between BLUFOR factions are infrequent, if not altogether rare, within mission settings.

Definition

The term “BLUFOR,” short for “Blue Force,” is commonly employed in missions and may also surface in briefing materials. Within our community, it serves as a descriptor for any faction exhibiting an official military identity and exclusively utilizing NATO equipment.

Moreover, entities like PMCs or insurgent groups, operating independently as the sole player-controlled faction in a mission, may also be colloquially referred to as “BLUFOR.”

In cooperative missions where members assume the roles of OPFOR, embodying a Soviet-style force, the opposing faction is designated as “BLUFOR” only if it aligns with the aforementioned criteria.

As with always, exceptions to these conventions are feasible.

Historical Background

Following the end of World War II, Europe found itself divided. Eastern Europe fell under the sway of the Soviet Union and its satellite states, while Western Europe regained independence under the protection of the victorious Allied superpowers – the United States, the United Kingdom, and France. However, the fragile alliance between the West and the Soviet Union dissolved almost immediately, with the Western powers anticipating Soviet ambitions to expand further into the continent.

To counter this looming threat, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) emerged as a long-standing military alliance, uniting the United States and most Western European nations in a permanent defensive pact. NATO’s primary mission was to create a formidable defense against any potential Soviet incursion. In response to the Soviet Union’s rapid militarization, NATO pursued technological advancements to maintain a strategic edge.

The diverse array of member nations within NATO translated into a rich variety of equipment and capabilities. Each member state either utilized domestically-produced armaments or acquired American weaponry through subsidized channels. Throughout the Cold War era, NATO succeeded in upholding its technological superiority.

The United States Armed Forces, comprising the largest contingent within NATO, stood at the forefront of technological innovation. Many NATO members adopted American-designed weaponry, often modified to suit their own specifications. Additionally, as part of the alliance’s agreements, the United States maintained substantial military presence across NATO’s eastern frontier, facilitating swift responses to potential Soviet (now Russian) aggression on NATO soil. Nonetheless, the armed forces of other NATO members command considerable strength, remaining among the world’s most formidable military powers.

Weaponry

BLUFOR weaponry boasts a comparable diversity to that of OPFOR, offering models tailored to fulfill virtually any role required on the battlefield. However, distinct emphasis is placed on certain characteristics of BLUFOR weapons and vehicles. Generally, BLUFOR armaments are renowned for their user-friendliness and occasional lightweight construction, often incorporating cutting-edge technology that renders them more modern than their OPFOR counterparts, particularly in terms of optics and guidance systems. Nevertheless, both sides’ arsenals share similarities in capabilities, and when wielded skillfully by players, can prove equally effective.

Below is a categorized list of BLUFOR weaponry, although it may not be exhaustive and is subject to expansion and refinement as Arma continues to evolve.

Small Arms

M-16 and M4. These standard-issue assault rifles represent the backbone of BLUFOR firepower. The M4, a modernized shortened variant of the iconic M-16 dating back to the Vietnam War, shares the same 5.56mm caliber and typically utilizes 30-bullet magazines (though occasionally 20-bullet magazines are seen, particularly in Vietnam-era scenarios). In-game, both rifles exhibit comparable effectiveness to their Russian AK counterparts.
M249 SAW. Serving as the most common automatic rifle for BLUFOR, the M249 SAW utilizes 5.56mm NATO ammunition and accommodates belts and boxes containing 100 or 200 rounds each. In real life, the SAW also has a heavier barrel than assault rifles and can sustain fire for longer without overheating (this is not modeled in vanilla ArmA).
M60. Dubbed the “Pig,” the M60 stands as a dependable medium machine gun from the Vietnam era, firing 7.62mm rounds fed from 100-round belts. Despite its age, the 7.62mm caliber still remains useful for providing heavier fire, albeit requiring proper setup on a bipod for optimal use.

M240. Also recognized as the “MAG,” the M240 serves as the modern successor to the M60. Firing 7.62mm rounds from large belts, this medium machine gun similarly benefits from bipod deployment for improved stability.
FN FAL, G3, M14. These battle rifles, common in early Cold War missions, utilize 7.62mm ammunition from 20-round magazines. While offering enhanced per-bullet lethality compared to modern NATO assault rifles, they lack the stability for fully-automatic fire and excel in semi-automatic mode, necessitating precise aiming for maximum effectiveness.
Other weapons. Variants like the G36, HK416, FAMAS, and L85A2 are featured in missions representing diverse BLUFOR armies such as German, French, British, and Norwegian forces. They are functionally similar to the M4, with relatively few differences.

Anti-Tank Launchers

AT4/M72. Single-use, lightweight anti-tank launchers designed for infantry. These launchers are more commonly used by BLUFOR infantry units at the squad level and serve as a portable defense against armor. They lack a guidance system and cannot be reloaded after being fired. The rockets fired from the AT4 typically carry a specific warhead, such as HEAT (High-Explosive Anti-Tank), HP (High-Performance), or HEDP (High-Explosive Dual-Purpose).
MAAWs/SMAW. Multi-use medium anti-tank launcher designed for infantry use, capable of firing a range of rockets. The most common rocket for these platforms are equipped with a tandem warhead powerful enough to penetrate tank armor. Unlike the AT4, these launchers can be reloaded after firing. The SMAW features a secondary barrel that fires 9mm rounds to mimic the trajectory and impact of a rocket.
FGM-148 Javelin. A man portable fire-and-forget top-attack anti-tank missile system that uses an explosive formed penetrator to kill armored vehicles by striking them in their thin top armor. It is considered a heavy anti-tank weapon system due to its weight and killing power.
TOW. The most common type of wired-guided anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) used by BLUFOR. This missile is manually guided to its target via a wire connected to the launcher. Although the TOW is light enough to be carried by an infantry Heavy Anti-Tank (HAT) squad, it is more often mounted on vehicles like the TOW HMMWV and the Bradley Fighting Vehicle. It can also be launched from certain types of attack helicopters.

Grenades

M67. The standard-issue hand-thrown fragmentation grenade for BLUFOR. It creates a powerful explosion with a limited number of fragments, making it effective for defensive use. However, it is somewhat less deadly in large, open areas compared to the Soviet RGD-5 grenade, which produces more fragments over a wider area.
M203 & M320. Under-barrel grenade launchers designed to attach to rifles like the M-16 and M4, although they can also be used with most other modern NATO assault rifles. These launchers fire 40mm grenades of various types. The M320 variant can also be used as a standalone handheld grenade launcher. Both the weapon and its grenades are commonly referred to as “GLs” or “GPs,” even though “GP” is technically the name of the grenade launcher used by OPFOR.
M79. A hand-held 40mm grenade launcher used as a stand-alone weapon typically carried slung on the back and drawn when needed. It is usually seen in situations where an M203 or M320 is not available, such as in Vietnam or when carried by specialized units. This weapon provides flexibility in scenarios where other grenade launchers cannot be used.

Heavy Automatics

M2. Also known as the .50 caliber heavy machine gun or “50-Cal,” is a standard weapon in the United States military. It comes in both crew-served and vehicle-mounted versions. The M2 is the most widely used heavy machine gun on NATO vehicles, a distinction it has held since World War II, which is a testament to its reliable design and long-standing service record.
M85. An older .50 caliber model, this version of the M2 is typically found on some older American vehicles, such as the AAV (Amphibious Assault Vehicle). While similar to the standard M2, this older model is less common and primarily seen on legacy equipment.
M242 Bushmaster. A 25mm autocannon, serving as the primary weapon on the Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) and LAV-25. It is typically the only single-barreled autocannon found on BLUFOR ground vehicles and provides both anti-personnel and anti-vehicle capabilities.
BLUFOR attack helicopters are equipped with various single-barreled or multi-barreled autocannons. These are typically designed to fire High-Explosive Dual-Purpose (HEDP) ammunition for engaging both ground targets and light armored vehicles.
Mk19. A fully-automatic 40mm grenade launcher crew served system capable of launching a barrage of grenades over long distances to quickly eliminate large groups of enemy infantry. This weapon is mounted on various BLUFOR vehicles, including armored personnel carriers (APCs) and infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs), including some versions of the AAV, Stryker, and V-1117.

M134. A six-barreled gatling-style gun that fires 7.62mm small arms ammunition at an extremely high rate of fire. Commonly referred to as the “minigun,” it is most often mounted on the doors of transport helicopters and gunships, as well as on AH-6 helicopters. It may also see limited use on ground vehicles such as SOF GMVs.
GAU-19. A three-barreled autocannon that fires .50 caliber rounds. Occasionally mounted on the AH-6, it offers fast-firing capabilities for engaging enemy vehicles, including APCs. However, its rate of fire is too slow to effectively target infantry from the air.
M61 Vulcan. The M61 Vulcan is a six-barreled autocannon, typically serving as been the principal cannon armament of United States military fixed-wing aircraft, as well as the M163 anti-aircraft vehicle (often referred to as the “Vulcan”). It fires small, high-explosive-tipped 20mm shells at an extremely high rate of fire. While primarily designed for air defense, these weapons are also effective against enemy infantry due to their rapid-fire capability.
GAU-8 Avenger. A distinctive seven-barreled autocannon that fires 30mm shells, often made with depleted uranium. This powerful weapon is exclusively mounted on the A-10 Warthog jet, and is capable of destroying older enemy armored fighting vehicles due to its high destructive power and rate of fire.

Cannons

Most BLUFOR Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs) are equipped with autocannons rather than traditional cannons.
The Stryker MGS (Mobile Gun System) is a wheeled assault vehicle armed with a 105mm cannon, similar to the one found on the original M1 Abrams tank. It is used in various roles, including engaging armored targets. Although not common, it is one of the few non-tank BLUFOR vehicles equipped with such a powerful weapon. A more modern replacement for the Stryker MGS is the M10 Booker, a tracked infantry armored support vehicle. Like the Stryker MGS, the M10 Booker is also armed with a 105mm cannon, offering similar firepower but with enhanced mobility and support capabilities.
BLUFOR tanks are equipped with either a 105mm or 120mm cannon, depending on the model. In the context of ArmA, these tank cannons are generally comparable in effectiveness to those used by OPFOR tanks.

Air Weapons

DAGR. A laser-guided anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) carried by smaller attack helicopters, such as the AH-6 Little Bird. To launch and guide the missile, the gunner or co-pilot must continuously keep the crosshairs on the target and ensure the missile stays locked onto the target via laser guidance.
Hellfire. A laser or radar-guided anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) carried by several BLUFOR platforms, primarily the AH-64 Apache attack helicopter, AH-1Z, MQ-9 Reaper drone, and AH-6J.
FFAR (Hydra). A 70mm rocket pod commonly carried by various attack helicopters. These rockets are equipped with High-Explosive Dual-Purpose (HEDP) warheads, making them effective against both groups of infantry and armored vehicles. While not as powerful as larger anti-tank missiles, FFARs can occasionally disable or even destroy tanks, depending on the impact and location of the hit.

Vehicles

BLUFOR maintains a technological advantage over OPFOR by fielding more advanced equipment both on the ground and in the air. BLUFOR vehicles are typically equipped with superior weapons, enhanced protection for crews, better optics, and more comfortable crew compartments. This advanced technology makes BLUFOR vehicles more expensive and often fewer in number compared to OPFOR’s, though this is less significant in the context of ArmA missions.

Design Philosophy

BLUFOR vehicles are typically designed with more crew comfort features, such as spacious interiors and air-conditioning systems, which are highly valued in real-life military operations. However, in a game like ArmA, these comfort features have no impact on gameplay. The more significant benefit in the game comes from the superior line-of-sight in many BLUFOR vehicles. Crews, especially drivers, benefit from better visibility to make it easier to navigate and spot threats. This is a notable advantage in most BLUFOR vehicles, although there are exceptions, such as older models like the M113, which have more limited visibility.

Another key feature of BLUFOR vehicles, especially tanks and IFVs, is their enhanced protection. Many BLUFOR vehicles are equipped with Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA), which consists of packets of explosives that detonate upon contact with an incoming projectile or rocket, reducing or neutralizing its impact just before it hits the vehicle. Lighter vehicles, such as the Stryker, often feature slat armor, which provides similar protection and are particularly effective against HEAT-tipped anti-tank missiles. Additionally, many BLUFOR vehicles generally carry more armor overall compared to their Soviet counterparts that provides greater protection against enemy fire.

Finally, BLUFOR vehicles are typically equipped with far superior optics compared to their Soviet counterparts. Most BLUFOR Tanks and IFVs are outfitted with advanced thermal vision and/or nightvision equipment, allowing for enhanced situational awareness in low-visibility conditions, such as at night or in smoke. In contrast, only the most modern OPFOR vehicles feature such technologies which gives BLUFOR a notable advantage in terms of target acquisition and overall battlefield awareness.

In exchange for these advantages, BLUFOR vehicles are significantly more expensive to produce and maintain. This results in fewer vehicles being available for the same budget compared to OPFOR forces. While this economic factor doesn’t directly affect missions in a simulated environment, a mission designer may need to consider it when balancing forces to ensure that the difference in vehicle numbers does not disrupt gameplay balance or tactical fairness.

Light Vehicles

M35 2.5-ton truck, M939 5-ton truck, LMTV. Three types of standard 6-wheeled vehicles designed to transport a significant number of soldiers (over two fireteams) or a substantial amount of supply.
HEMTT. A modular 8-wheeled truck with a unique design, primarily used by logistics units. It is mainly employed for transporting resupply crates and ammunition for vehicles.
HMMWV. Commonly known as the “Humvee,” it is a lightly-armored 4-wheeled vehicle. Various models of the HMMWV are used.
- Unarmed HMMWV. Capable of transporting up to a 4-man fireteam.
- HMMWV M240. This variant is equipped with a pintle-mounted M240 7.62mm medium machine gun. This weapon is primarily used for self-defense, rather than for providing fire support to infantry.
- HMMWV M2HB. Equipped with a mounted M2 .50 caliber heavy machine gun on the roof, which can be protected by a shield or enclosed in a turret with bulletproof windows. This version is more effective at providing fire support to infantry, but it is generally too vulnerable to operate independently in combat.
- TOW HMMWV. Armed with a TOW anti-tank guided missile (ATGM). It is typically used by a Heavy Anti-Tank (HAT) squad as an alternative to carrying a launcher on foot. The TOW HMMWV can quickly move between firing positions, offering flexible anti-tank fire support wherever it’s required.
MATV. Known as the Hunter in Arma 3, it is a four-wheel-drive, all-terrain MRAP (Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected) vehicle designed to replace the M1114 HMMWV. It is primarily intended for counter-insurgency operations and provides similar protection to larger, heavier MRAPs but with greater mobility. The MATV is a versatile, multi-role vehicle, available in various configurations, similar to the Humvee.
DAGOR. Known as the Prowler in-game, it is an air-droppable off-road light strike vehicle capable of carrying between 5 and 7 passengers, depending on the variant. It is a lightweight and agile vehicle, designed for transportation, reconnaissance, and providing fire support in rugged terrain. While it lacks armor and is therefore vulnerable, it offers armed variants, including one with a medium machine gun (MMG) mounted on the front right passenger seat, and another equipped with a .50 cal machine gun or anti-tank guided missile platform, ideal for hit-and-run tactics.

Medium Vehicles

M1117 Commando. A four-wheeled armored vehicle, comparable to the Soviet BRDM. It is equipped with a turret that houses an M2 .50 caliber heavy machine gun and a Mk19 fully automatic grenade launcher.
M113. A Vietnam-era tracked APC with several different variants:
- Basic M113. Designed to transport roughly two fireteams. It is usually armed with an M2 .50 caliber heavy machine gun for self-defense and fire support, though there are unarmed variants as well. The M113 is capable of carrying different types of cargo, and is sometimes used as a field ambulance to transport medical supplies.
- TOW M113. Equipped with a TOW anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) launcher. It is often used by a Heavy Anti-Tank (HAT) squad as an alternative to carrying the launcher on foot. While it is slower than a TOW-equipped Humvee, it offers better armor protection, making it more durable and survivable in combat.
- Vulcan. An M113 armored vehicle equipped with a six-barreled Vulcan autocannon, which fires 20mm shells with small High-Explosive Dual-Purpose (HEDP) warheads. This vehicle is highly effective against infantry and can also target and destroy certain light and medium vehicles, as well as aircraft.

Stryker. An 8-wheeled armored personnel carrier (APC) used by the U.S. Army, similar to the Soviet BTR. It comes in various configurations, with the most common being a troop transport typically armed with an M2 .50 caliber heavy machine gun. Some variants are unarmed, while others are equipped with heavier weapons such as the Mk19 grenade launcher or the Bushmaster autocannon.
Stryker MGS. A fast-moving 8-wheeled assault gun built on the Stryker chassis, armed with a 105mm cannon. It is primarily used to support infantry combat operations. Although it is not designed to function as a tank, its mobility allows it to rapidly maneuver, flanking, ambushing, and engaging enemy armor within its class.
The Rooikat MGS. An armored reconnaissance vehicle, often referred to as the “Rhino” in Arma 3, and is considered both an assault gun and a tank destroyer. Equipped with a lightweight 120mm main cannon, it can fire a variety of conventional rounds, including MARUK anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs), extending its effective range to 8 km. The high-velocity gun is capable of providing organic anti-tank and fire support for operations.
M10 Booker. An infantry armored support vehicle developed as part of the U.S. Army’s Mobile Protected Firepower (MPF) program, designed to replace the Stryker MGS. Functionally similar to the Stryker MGS, but features upgraded armor and is mechanized.
M1283 Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle. A modernized replacement for the M113, part of the U.S. Army’s Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV) program, built on the Bradley chassis. It serves a similar role to the M113 but features upgraded armor, mobility, and versatility. The M1283 comes in various configurations to perform a wide range of tasks, making it adaptable for different mission requirements.
AAV. A tracked amphibious vehicle used by the U.S. Marine Corps (Assault Amphibious Vehicle), often referred to as “amtrac.” It is designed to deploy and support infantry during landings from ships. There are three main variants: command, recovery, and personnel, with the personnel variant being the most commonly seen in Arma 3. This variant is equipped with a dual-weapon turret, carrying an M2HB heavy machine gun and a Mk19 grenade launcher for fire support.
Namera. Known as the IFV-6c Panther in-game, it is an Israeli-made armored vehicle designed to be modular and adaptable for various roles. The APC variant is similar to the M113 but with modern upgrades, including a remote-controlled turret equipped with both a machine gun and a grenade launcher. It can carry up to 8 passengers. Other variants of the Namera include the Cheetah, an anti-aircraft vehicle based on the same chassis, and the Bobcat, which serves as a combat engineering and logistics vehicle. The Bobcat is capable of recovery, repair, refueling, and resupply (R4), and can also deploy its bulldozer shovel to trigger mines safely without damaging the vehicle.
LAV. The LAV (Light Armored Vehicle) series are small, 8-wheeled amphibious armored personnel carriers (APC) and infantry fighting vehicles (IFV) used by the U.S. Marine Corps. They come in various variants, with the most common being the LAV-25. The LAV-25 is equipped with a turret that carries a Bushmaster autocannon, making it comparable in firepower to typical IFVs, though its armor is not as thick. It can carry up to 6 passengers, providing mobility and support in combat operations.
Badger IFV. Known in-game as the NATO AMV-7 Marshall, is based on a Finnish armored vehicle design. It is a 8×8 medium-lift vehicle that blends the features of an infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) and an armored personnel carrier (APC). It can deploy an 8-man squad and is typically armed with a 40mm autocannon and a machine gun. Functionally similar to the LAV-25, the Marshall is amphibious and more modernized. It also has several variants, including an ATGM version that combines a 40mm autocannon with anti-tank guided missiles, a command vehicle variant that swaps the main turret for a .50 cal machine gun along with passive sensors and data link capabilities, and a mortar variant equipped with a 60mm mortar but no secondary weapons.
Bradley. A family of tracked armored fighting vehicles used by the U.S. Army, primarily designed for various roles such as heavy infantry support or as part of a tank platoon. The most common variant, the Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV), is armed with a Bushmaster 25mm autocannon, capable of engaging most enemy vehicles or large groups of infantry. It is typically also equipped with a TOW anti-tank missile launcher, allowing it to engage armored targets at longer ranges. Although Bradleys can carry a fireteam, this capability is rarely needed in practice.
M6 Linebacker. A specialized variant of the Bradley, designed for anti-aircraft operations. Instead of the usual TOW launcher, the Linebacker is equipped with a set of Stinger surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) alongside its 25mm Bushmaster autocannon. This combination of weapons makes the Linebacker a formidable asset for targeting and neutralizing enemy aircraft.

Heavy Vehicles

M1 Abrams. The cornerstone of American armored forces, with its various updated models (TUSK, M1A1, M1A2) being the primary tanks used by the U.S. military in modern combat. Renowned for its exceptional armor, the Abrams can withstand multiple hits from enemy cannons or anti-tank missiles. It is equipped with advanced optics and stabilization systems, which enhance its performance in challenging terrain and adverse weather conditions, making it highly effective in a wide range of operational environments.
Challenger. A British main battle tank that shares similarities with the M1 Abrams.
Leopard. A family of German main battle tanks, with characteristics similar to the M1 Abrams. They are equipped with the same 120mm smoothbore cannon used on the Abrams.
Merkava. An Israeli main battle tank known for its unique design. It is the standard NATO main battle tank in Arma 3 and is referred to as the Slammer. It has a flat and low profile, making it a smaller and harder target to hit compared to other tanks. In addition to its combat capabilities, the Merkava is equipped with a rear compartment that allows it to carry a few passengers in emergency situations.

Rotary-Wing

Littlebird. Often referred to as the “killer egg,” the Littlebird is a compact, versatile helicopter derived from the Vietnam-era Cayuse. It comes in various models, each designed for specific tasks. Primarily used by U.S. Army Special Operations Aviation, the Littlebird is known for its minimal defensive capabilities and demands a high level of skill to operate effectively. It is most frequently deployed in scenarios with few players or those focused on infantry and special operations.
- MH-6. A compact, lightweight transport variant capable of carrying a fireteam of six or approximately two supply crates. Its small size, especially in comparison to larger transport helicopters, enables it to land in extremely tight and restricted spaces.
- MELB. Known as the “Mission Enhanced Littlebird,”, it is a modernized version of the MH-6. It is equipped with a sophisticated nose-mounted camera, operated by the co-pilot, which allows for precise monitoring of enemy movements from the air. While primarily used as a scout helicopter, the MELB also retains its troop transport capabilities.
- AH-6. An attack helicopter variant equipped with a variety of weapons tailored to mission requirements. It is primarily used to provide close air support against lighter targets, such as enemy infantry and light to medium vehicles. Common armaments include miniguns and a limited number of FFAR (Hydra) rockets. For scenarios involving more heavily armored enemy ground vehicles, the AH-6 may be outfitted with GAU-19 autocannons, larger FFAR rocket pods, and Hellfire anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs).

UH-60 Blackhawk. A medium-sized transport helicopter known for its surprising agility. Arma 3 features a futuristic variant known as the UH-80 Ghosthawk. It comes in various configurations, including medical evacuation versions, ones equipped with door-mounted miniguns (mainly for self-defense), or an attack variant with armaments similar to the Littlebird. The Blackhawk is capable of transporting an infantry squad or multiple resupply crates and has the strength to lift light vehicles such as the Humvee onto the battlefield.

CH-47 Chinook & CH-53. The largest transport helicopters used by BLUFOR, mainly the U.S. Army and USMC factions, respectively. The CH-47 has a futuristic version in Arma 3 known as the CH-67 Huron. These heavy-lift aircraft can transport two or more squads of infantry or large amounts of resupply crates. However, due to their considerable size and limited maneuverability, they need a lot of space to land effectively.
AW101 / HC-3 Merlin. A British medium-lift helicopter, known as the CH-49 Mohawk in-game, serving a similar role to the Blackhawk, but primarily focused on transport duties. It is capable of carrying two infantry squads or resupply crates.
AW159 Wildcat. Also known as the WY-55 Hellcat in the vanilla game, it is a British multi-role helicopter. It is primarily used for light attack, reconnaissance, and transport missions. It shares similarities with the Littlebird, but distinguishes itself by being able to carry passengers while also being equipped with weapons for offensive capabilities.
UH-1 Huey. A Vietnam-era transport helicopter that is sometimes still used by less-advanced military forces in modern scenarios. It can carry a full infantry squad and is often equipped with door-mounted machine guns for self-defense. Additionally, the Huey can be fitted with wing-mounted FFAR rocket pods. Vietnam War Hueys have a variety of roles and come in numerous variants with different weapon configurations, such as the ones seen in the SOG Prairie Fire CLDC.
UH-1Y Venom. Also known as the “Yankee” or “Super Huey,” it is a modernized version of the classic UH-1 Huey, primarily used by the U.S. Marine Corps. It serves mainly as a light helicopter gunship, equipped with door-mounted guns and often armed with FFAR rocket pods. In addition to its attack capabilities, the Venom can transport a small fireteam of up to 6-7 passengers.
AH-1 Cobra. A Vietnam-era medium attack helicopter gunship, armed with a variety of weapons, including a nose-mounted autocannon, FFAR rockets, and/or Hellfire anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs). Its modernized version, the AH-1Z Viper, often referred to as the “Zulu Cobra,” is the U.S. Marine Corps’ standard attack helicopter, and features more advanced capabilities.
AH-64 Apache. A modern heavy attack helicopter primarily used by the U.S. Army. It is equipped with a powerful 30mm autocannon and can carry Hellfire anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) and/or FFAR rockets. With advanced targeting and guidance systems, the Apache is highly effective against a wide range of targets, though it is most commonly deployed to engage and destroy enemy armor.
RAH-66 Comanche. An experimental medium attack helicopter, is represented in-game as the AH-99 Blackfoot. While it shares similarities with the AH-1 Cobra, the Comanche’s primary advantage is its stealth capabilities, designed to make it harder to detect on radar. The standard variant features a 20mm autocannon and replaces external weapon pylons with internal ones to maintain its low radar signature. Other variants, such as the AH-99E Mohawk and AH-99J Python, sacrifice some of the stealth for heavier armament and the inclusion of external pylons.

Fixed-Wing

C-130 Hercules. A versatile, four-engine propeller-driven aircraft designed for transporting and dropping over two squads of paratroopers or large amounts of resupply crates. Its distinctive stubby nose and high-mounted wings make it easily recognizable. The C-130 comes in several variants, with the most common being the C-130J Super Hercules and various AC-130 variants. These aircraft are primarily used for supply runs, airborne infiltrations, and close air support. They can also perform emergency rescues, extracting troops from unprepared airfields when necessary.
AC-47 Spooky. A Vietnam-era gunship variant of the DC-3 transport plane. It is equipped with door-mounted 7.62mm Miniguns, enabling it to unleash a continuous stream of fire on enemy infantry while orbiting overhead, providing close air support for friendly ground forces. It’s modern successor is the AC-130.
A-10 Warthog. A powerful close air support jet in the context of Arma, specifically designed to provide direct support to friendly ground forces. It is armed with a powerful autocannon capable of destroying older tanks, along with other lethal weaponry. The A-10 is known for flying low and slow over the battlefield, making it useful for non-contested or counter-insurgency (COIN) environments.
A-29 Super Tucano. A low-wing, tandem-seat, single-turboprop aircraft designed for basic training, light attack, and counter-insurgency (COIN) operations. Developed and produced by Brazil, it is equipped with a variety of weapons, including precision-guided munitions, making it a cost-effective solution for low-threat environments. While primarily used by Horizon’s Island Defense Force and Brazil, it is also being explored by the U.S. Navy and Air Force as a light attack aircraft, especially for special operations support. Another similar aircraft is the OA-1K Sky Warden, used by SOCCOM, though it has yet to be featured in Arma 3.

Harrier/F-35B. Two unique multi-role jets capable of vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL). These aircraft are equipped with a wide range of weaponry for various combat roles, including interdiction, attacking enemy tanks, and engaging heavy vehicles during their approach to the battlefield. Both jets are armed with an autocannon, Air-to-Air Missiles (AAMs), which they can use to destroy enemy aircraft alike. The F-35 features advanced capabilities that make it more stealthy and provide superior targeting precision.
F/A-18 Hornet, F-15, F-16, F-35A/C. Multi-role jets used by BLUFOR, excelling as both interceptors and ground attackers. These fast aircraft are typically too quick to effectively target enemy infantry, except with bombs and rockets, but are highly effective at intercepting and destroying enemy armor attempting to reach the battlefield. With their advanced weapons systems and speed, they can also easily shoot down most enemy aircraft, making them dominant in air superiority and close air support roles.
Osprey/Blackfish. VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) hybrid aircraft that combine the features of both helicopters and planes. They are equipped with two large rotors that can swivel from a horizontal to a vertical position, enabling them to take off and land like a helicopter while flying like a plane for efficient cruising. These VTOLs are large transport aircraft, comparable in size to the CH-47 Chinook, capable of carrying 2+ squads of infantry or significant amounts of cargo. The Blackfish, in particular, has an armed variant similar to the AC-130, allowing it to provide close air support with powerful weaponry.
Other notable BLUFOR aircraft seen in Arma include:
- Panavia Tornado: A European variable-sweep wing multirole combat aircraft, capable of performing air-to-ground and air-to-air missions.
- F-22 Raptor: An advanced, all-weather stealth tactical fighter known for its superior maneuverability and radar-evading capabilities.
- F-23 Grey Ghost: An alternative stealth fighter to the F-22, designed for high-speed, high-altitude engagements.
- B-1 Lancer: A supersonic strategic heavy bomber, known for its variable-sweep wings and long-range strike capabilities.
- F-14 Tomcat: A variable-sweep wing fighter aircraft, famous for its role in air superiority and fleet defense, particularly during the Cold War.
- OV-1 Mohawk: A light attack and observation aircraft, used for reconnaissance and close air support during the Vietnam War.
- A-1 Skyraider: A propeller-driven attack aircraft, renowned for its long loiter times and effectiveness in close air support roles.
- A-26 Invader: A twin-engine ground attack and light bomber aircraft used for tactical bombing during the Vietnam conflict.
- B-52 Stratofortress: A long-range, high-altitude strategic heavy bomber that played a significant role in heavy bombing campaigns.
- A-6 Intruder: A carrier-borne heavy strike aircraft used for precision bombing and close air support.
- EA-6 Prowler: A carrier-based electronic warfare aircraft, designed to jam enemy radar and disrupt communications.
- A-4 Skyhawk: A versatile multirole carrier-based fighter aircraft, used for strike missions and air defense.
- F-4 Phantom II: A carrier-borne strike fighter that was used by both the Navy and Air Force for a variety of roles during the Vietnam War.
- A-3 Skywarrior: A long-range strategic bomber used by the U.S. Navy during the Cold War.
- F-8 Crusader: A carrier-based naval fighter known for its role as a frontline air superiority fighter in the 1960s and 1970s.
- F-105 Thunderchief: A supersonic fighter-bomber that was primarily used for bombing missions during the Vietnam War.
- F-100 Super Sabre: A fighter-bomber aircraft that provided air superiority and tactical strike capabilities during the Cold War.
- OV-10 Bronco: A light attack and close-air support aircraft, used in Vietnam for reconnaissance and supporting ground troops.
- A-37 Dragonfly: A light attack aircraft used for observation and controlling air support missions.
- A-7 Corsair II: A carrier-borne strike aircraft that was used for precision bombing and close air support.
- F-111: A long-range strategic bomber and tactical strike aircraft, notable for its variable-sweep wing design and deep penetration capabilities.