In general lightweight attack helicopters will rely on their self-protection suites, which include flare dispensers and in some cases DIRCM. However, you're not going to get as much innate protection in a 5-ton helicopter like ATAK (or India's LUH) compared to a heavyweight like the Apache.
To me, it seems the PAA wants to use the ATAKs in high-altitude combat environments (a major part of the testing was in relation to that), while get a heavier attack helicopter for anti-armour ops. In terms of the latter, it would've gotten the AH-1Z, but CSF/FMF cuts shut that door, so an alternative is needed.
Personally, I'd try reviving the Rooivalk (i.e. Rooivalk Mk2). It's a rugged design meant to take on conventional and assymmetric threats alike. The airframe is just fine (based on the Puma), but you can swap out the engine for some newer platform, like the Safran Aneto (ITAR-free), and upgrade the electronics and weapons.
Best of all, South Africa was literally offering whoever co-funds the Mk2's development ToT, and I reckon we get the kind that allows us to fully maintain and repair our aircraft, and add new ones at-will.
