Air power is the backbone of any modern military. Since the dawn of early air warfare in the First World War, dominating the sky has become paramount in securing victory on the battlefield. This fact has not been lost on the military powers of today and is always a top priority for funding and modernization. The country with the most aircraft is the United States, which has 13,209 combat aircraft. In second place is Russia with 4,255 aircraft, and in third is China with 3,304 aircraft.
Top 10 Countries With The Most Military Aircraft
| 1 | United States | 13,209 |
| 2 | Russia | 4,255 |
| 3 | China | 3,304 |
| 4 | India | 2,296 |
| 5 | South Korea | 1,576 |
| 6 | Japan | 1,459 |
| 7 | Pakistan | 1,434 |
| 8 | Egypt | 1,080 |
| 9 | Turkey | 1,069 |
| 10 | France | 972 |
1. United States - 13,209 Aircraft
It should be no surprise that the United States has the most military aircraft. The United States Air Force alone has access to 5,217 aircraft, while the US Army Aviation has another 4,409 aircraft. The US Navy has another 2,464, and the US Marines have 1,157.
The American military has so many aircraft that it would take the combined militaries of Russia, China, India, South Korea, Japan, and finally, Pakistan to surpass it in sheer number of available vehicles. The United States is also at the forefront of aircraft and military technology, which is routinely displayed in the top-notch aircraft it fields.
2. Russia - 4,255 Aircraft
The Russian Air Force is the second largest in the world. During the Cold War, the Soviet Air Force was much larger, but since its collapse in the early 1990s, it has shrunk considerably. Despite its smaller size, Russia still has plenty of military aircraft to choose from.
The main fighter jet that the Russians use is the Su-35, also known as the Sukhoi Su-35. First introduced in 2014, the most current model is an upgrade from the Su-27 aircraft that was first designed during Soviet times. Regardless, it has proven to be a competent and reliable aircraft.
3. China - 3,304 Aircraft
The Chinese Air Force has radically changed in the past two decades. Along with the navy and army, China has invested significant money into modernizing its military. The Chinese recently unveiled their new, cutting-edge jet fighter, the J-20.
Considered to be only the third fifth-generation fighter jet behind the American F-22 and F-35, the J-20 is equipped with all the bells and whistles that come with modern fighters. The J-20's stealth capabilities are what really make it stand out. The jet is incredibly difficult to pick up on radar ensuring that it will almost always have the element of surprise in war.
4. India - 2,296 Aircraft
Like China, India has desperately needed to replace a rapidly aging and obsolete air force. The Indian military has been fielding vehicles and aircraft since the Cold War.
India's replacement for the MiG-21 is the HAL Tejas (the HAL stands for Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.) First going into testing in 2001, it was not until 2015 that the HAL Tejas were fully operational. The wait seems to have paid off, though; the new fighter is one of the best in the world and capable of going toe to toe with the best.
5. South Korea - 1,576 Aircraft
South Korea has one of the most advanced and competent militaries in the world, and its air force is no different. South Korea has just begun replacing its aging air force with a new and exciting Korean-made aircraft, the KF-21 Boramae.
In 2024, South Korea announced that it would begin mass-producing the KF-21 to fill the vacuum created by the retirement of its older aircraft. These new jets will likely be sold to other East Asian countries, such as the Philippines and Indonesia.
6. Japan - 1,459 Aircraft
Japan gets much of its military hardware from its allies, particularly the United States. This can be seen throughout its military branches, and the air force is no exception. The Japanese Air Force mainly fields the American-Japanese F-2 fighter. While the F-2 is a great aircraft, Japan has started the slow process of replacing it.
Japan already has its hands on the fifth-generation aircraft in the F-35 and is planning to buy more. Japan has also been using the F-15 with great success as well. The modernization process is slower than in other countries, but Japan is taking the correct steps to maintain its spot as one of the premier global air powers.
7. Pakistan - 1,434 Aircraft
The Pakistani Air Force is a fascinating blend of both American and Chinese aircraft. The most commonly used fighter is the F-16 Fighting Falcon manufactured by American arms giant Lockheed Martin.
The JF-17 Thunder, on the other hand, was developed by both the Pakistani and Chinese militaries. The JF-17 was primarily served as a counter to the Indian HAL Tejas, but some experts claim it has failed to reach the same levels as its rival. Regardless, Pakistan puts considerable funding and research into its air force, which will likely grow in the coming decade.
8. Egypt - 1,080 Aircraft
Egypt spent much of the last decade buying an absurd number of aircraft from around the world. In 2015, they ordered 24 Dassault Rafale F3-R from France and 46 MiG-29M/M2 fighters from Russia.
In 2018, they took another step further and ordered 24 Sukhoi Su-35S fighters, some of the best jets Russia has available. Egypt has made significant additions to its air force in recent years.
9. Turkey - 1,069 Aircraft
Turkey remains one of the most politically strategic countries on Earth. It controls pathways into Europe and the Middle East and trade in and out of the Black Sea. The Turkish Air Force has always needed to be large to patrol its long coastline and various borders with its neighbors.
Turkiye uses the venerable F-16 (which it can locally manufacture) but has begun an exciting new attempt at its own high-end higher jet. Made by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) the new Kaan just completed its second test flight in May 2024.
10. France - 972 Aircraft
France is notoriously independent when it comes to arming its military. It has always insisted on manufacturing its own arms and supplies, and its air force operates in the same fashion. The French-made Dassault Rafale is the backbone of the French Air Force.
The Rafale was first put into service in 2001 and has performed considerably well in numerous conflicts. Despite its relative age, it is still considered to be one of the best fighters in the world. Various countries, including India and Egypt, have bought or are in the process of buying Rafales.
Final Thoughts
Air power is the key to victory in any conventional battlefield. Maintaining a strong and modern air force is one of the most pivotal factors in determining a country's overall effectiveness as a fighting force. As technology continues to improve, ensuring air superiority will only become more crucial.
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