In this article, we look at the 5 largest air forces in the world by fleet size. You can read about countries racking up their aerial capabilities and the United States working to develop the sixth-generation of fighter jets to replace the F-22 Raptor by heading over to the 20 Largest Air Forces in the World Heading into 2024, where we have also discussed about the economic impact of America’s aerospace industry, given that most of the world relies on these US-based companies for the procurement of their fighter jets.
5. Egypt
Aircraft Fleet: 1,122
Egypt has the most powerful military in Africa, and boasts the fifth largest air force in the world. The Egyptian Air Force has 1,122 aircraft in its fleet, of which more than 420 are combat jets including 168 F-16 and 24 Rafale fighters. In 2018, the country placed an order to purchase 26 Su-35 fighters from Russia. The financial aspects of the deal are not public.
4. India
Aircraft Fleet: 1,645
India has one of the largest air forces in the world. Over the last few years, it has sought to replace its aging fleet of Russian fighters with more advanced western-made jets. According to Flight International, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has 36 Rafale fighter jets it procured from France, and plans to order more. This year, the General Electric Company signed an agreement with Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd to jointly develop fighter engines for IAF’s Tejas jets.
3. China
Aircraft Fleet: 2,084
China has made strides in catching up with the United States in terms of aerial strength, especially with the development of its stealth fighter jet, the J-20A, which according to reports is set to eclipse USAF’s F-22 fighter jet in inventory. With a fleet size of over 2,000 aircraft, China has one of the largest air forces in the world heading into 2024.
2. Russia
Aircraft Fleet: 3,652
Russia has the second largest air force in the world, with 3,652 active aircraft, including the much-famed fifth-generation fighter, Su-57. According to a report, Russia has about 10 of these jets in its arsenal, with the figure expected to touch 76 by 2028. The largest share of Russia’s fighter jets is made up by Su-27, which is 353 in number as per Flight International. It also has 273 Su-24, 240 MiG-29/35, and 195 Su-25 among others.
1. United States
Aircraft Fleet: 5,209
The United States has the largest air force in the world heading into 2024, and it is also the most technologically advanced. According to Flight International, the USAF’s fleet includes 196 F-35s with hundreds more in production, 177 F-22 Raptor, 775 F-16s, and 408 F-15 fighter jets among several other combat aircraft, training jets, and helicopters. The USAF is also currently working on the development of a sixth-generation fighter jet which it plans to launch by 2030.
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