Can you privately own an attack helicopter or a main battle tank?

Answer 1

Laws vary by location, but in general you should not encounter too many problems owning the vehicle itself. The weapons are another story.

Owning is one thing... being able to operate the vehicle is another.

The helicopter shouldn't be a problem. I have friends who own vintage fighter aircraft and an old corbra helicopter flies out of a local airstrip. It would have to be fitted with all of the required flight safety equipment per your local aviation administration (FAA here). Again, no weapons. Radar jamming technology is also out of the question.

The tank would be more difficult, unless you have private land to play on. A main battle tank is a large piece of equipment. There are no prohibitions in the U.S. on owning an armored vehicle, but if you operate it on public roads, it must comply with all vehicle safety laws. Local government may frown on tracks tearing up their roads. In the UK, tank owners can install rubber tracks and operate on public roads--I'm not sure about the U.S. There may be a special class of driver's license required as well.

Width is an issue with a main battle tank. In the United States, wide vehicles would necessitate special permits and pilot vehicles. Your local government may also require that you weld the turret so that it does not rotate. The barrel of the main gun may have to be removed.

Answer 2

In most countries, it is rare for individuals to privately own an attack helicopter or main battle tank due to strict regulations on weapons and military equipment. These vehicles are usually restricted to military or law enforcement use for safety and security reasons.