Introduction
The world’s largest air forces vary in size and strength by country, with the United States having the largest air force, followed by Russia and China. The US has over 13,000 aircraft, with a significant number of planes belonging to the Army and Navy. Russia, on the other hand, has a total of 8,346 aircraft, with over 3,800 belonging to the air force alone. China’s air force is smaller in size but still formidable, with a total of 3,285 aircraft.
Regional trends show that many countries in the Middle East and Asia have large air forces. For example, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Iran all have air forces with over 300 aircraft. Additionally, many countries in Southeast Asia, such as Indonesia and Thailand, have significant air forces, although they are smaller in size than those of their Middle Eastern counterparts.
It is also interesting to note that some countries, such as France and Japan, have significant numbers of aircraft belonging to their navy. Furthermore, while some countries have a strong air force but a small army or navy presence, others, like the United States of America, have many planes belonging to all three branches of the military, participating in making the country one of the largest militaries in the world.
Biggest Air Forces in the World
| # | Country | Air Force Aircraft | Army Aircraft | Navy Aircraft | Total Aircraft |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | United States of America | 5,217 | 4,409 | 2,464 | 13,247 |
| 2 | Russia | 3,863 | 310 | 4,173 | |
| 3 | People's Republic of China | 1,991 | 857 | 437 | 3,285 |
| 4 | India | 1,715 | 232 | 239 | 2,186 |
| 5 | Egypt | 1,062 | 1,062 | ||
| 6 | North Korea | 946 | 946 | ||
| 7 | South Korea | 898 | 611 | 69 | 1,595 |
| 8 | Pakistan | 810 | 544 | 32 | 1,386 |
| 9 | Japan | 746 | 392 | 311 | 1,449 |
| 10 | Saudi Arabia | 690 | 80 | 56 | 897 |
| 11 | Turkey | 612 | 398 | 47 | 1,057 |
| 12 | Israel | 597 | 597 | ||
| 13 | France | 570 | 306 | 179 | 1,055 |
| 14 | Algeria | 534 | 18 | 552 | |
| 15 | Brazil | 524 | 91 | 64 | 679 |
| 16 | Taiwan | 516 | 200 | 25 | 741 |
| 17 | United Kingdom | 511 | 84 | 98 | 693 |
| 18 | Italy | 503 | 255 | 104 | 862 |
| 19 | Syria | 452 | 452 | ||
| 20 | Canada | 380 | 380 | ||
| 21 | Germany | 371 | 184 | 62 | 617 |
| 22 | Spain | 365 | 89 | 49 | 503 |
| 23 | Greece | 363 | 246 | 23 | 632 |
| 24 | Iran | 343 | 79 | 31 | 543 |
| 25 | Mexico | 326 | 143 | 469 | |
| 26 | United Arab Emirates | 323 | 554 | ||
| 27 | Angola | 299 | 299 | ||
| 28 | Colombia | 295 | 132 | 27 | 454 |
| 29 | Australia | 282 | 125 | 23 | 430 |
| 30 | Myanmar | 275 | 5 | 280 | |
| 31 | Indonesia | 260 | 151 | 50 | 461 |
| 32 | Poland | 256 | 145 | 35 | 436 |
| 33 | Jordan | 255 | 255 | ||
| 34 | Morocco | 244 | 5 | 249 | |
| 35 | Singapore | 244 | 244 | ||
| 36 | Kazakhstan | 237 | 237 | ||
| 37 | Thailand | 230 | 199 | 40 | 469 |
| 38 | South Africa | 225 | 225 | ||
| 39 | Ukraine | 207 | 98 | 13 | 318 |
| 40 | Chile | 205 | 35 | 50 | 290 |
| 41 | Belarus | 201 | 201 | ||
| 42 | Vietnam | 201 | 16 | 217 | |
| 43 | Uzbekistan | 200 | 200 | ||
| 44 | Afghanistan | 196 | 270 | ||
| 45 | Sudan | 192 | 192 | ||
| 46 | Iraq | 181 | 180 | 361 | |
| 47 | Yemen | 177 | 177 | ||
| 48 | Bangladesh | 173 | 13 | 4 | 190 |
| 49 | Venezuela | 167 | 64 | 25 | 256 |
| 50 | Finland | 165 | 27 | 192 | |
| 51 | Philippines | 165 | 17 | 182 | |
| 52 | Qatar | 165 | 165 | ||
| 53 | Norway | 161 | 161 | ||
| 54 | Switzerland | 158 | 158 | ||
| 55 | Peru | 153 | 55 | 35 | 243 |
| 56 | Sweden | 151 | 204 | ||
| 57 | Tunisia | 151 | 151 | ||
| 58 | Azerbaijan | 149 | 149 | ||
| 59 | Romania | 144 | 3 | 147 | |
| 60 | Nigeria | 135 | 5 | 140 | |
| 61 | Oman | 128 | 128 | ||
| 62 | Argentina | 123 | 72 | 23 | 218 |
| 63 | Malaysia | 119 | 14 | 11 | 144 |
| 64 | Serbia | 117 | 117 | ||
| 65 | Belgium | 115 | 115 | ||
| 66 | Denmark | 115 | 115 | ||
| 67 | Libya | 114 | 10 | 127 | |
| 68 | Bahrain | 108 | 2 | 110 | |
| 69 | Kenya | 106 | 45 | 151 | |
| 70 | Austria | 102 | 102 | ||
| 71 | Kuwait | 97 | 2 | 99 | |
| 72 | Zambia | 97 | 97 | ||
| 73 | Czech Republic | 92 | 92 | ||
| 74 | Zimbabwe | 90 | 90 | ||
| 75 | Netherlands | 86 | 156 | ||
| 76 | Sri Lanka | 82 | 4 | 86 | |
| 77 | Turkmenistan | 82 | 82 | ||
| 78 | Cuba | 80 | 80 | ||
| 79 | Ethiopia | 80 | 10 | 90 | |
| 80 | Croatia | 78 | 78 | ||
| 81 | Lebanon | 76 | 76 | ||
| 82 | Portugal | 75 | 75 | ||
| 83 | Bulgaria | 63 | 3 | 66 | |
| 84 | Georgia | 62 | 66 | ||
| 85 | Ecuador | 57 | 37 | 19 | 113 |
| 86 | El Salvador | 57 | 57 | ||
| 87 | Hungary | 55 | 55 | ||
| 88 | Bolivia | 53 | 9 | 1 | 63 |
| 89 | Armenia | 52 | 64 | ||
| 90 | Slovakia | 50 | 50 | ||
| 91 | Uganda | 49 | 49 | ||
| 92 | New Zealand | 47 | 47 | ||
| 93 | Botswana | 46 | 46 | ||
| 94 | Democratic Republic of the Congo | 46 | 46 | ||
| 95 | Honduras | 43 | 1 | 44 | |
| 96 | Uruguay | 43 | 7 | 50 | |
| 97 | Paraguay | 40 | 1 | 41 | |
| 98 | Panama | 39 | 39 | ||
| 99 | Slovenia | 37 | 37 | ||
| 100 | Tanzania | 37 | 37 | ||
| 101 | Chad | 35 | 35 | ||
| 102 | Eritrea | 33 | 33 | ||
| 103 | Guatemala | 33 | 33 | ||
| 104 | Laos | 32 | 32 | ||
| 105 | Cameroon | 31 | 31 | ||
| 106 | Namibia | 30 | 30 | ||
| 107 | Mali | 29 | 29 | ||
| 108 | Brunei | 27 | 27 | ||
| 109 | Senegal | 26 | 26 | ||
| 110 | Mauritania | 25 | 25 | ||
| 111 | Cambodia | 23 | 23 | ||
| 112 | Gabon | 23 | 23 | ||
| 113 | Ireland | 23 | 23 | ||
| 114 | Rwanda | 23 | 23 | ||
| 115 | Jamaica | 22 | 22 | ||
| 116 | Ghana | 20 | 20 | ||
| 117 | Republic of Macedonia | 20 | 20 | ||
| 118 | Albania | 19 | 19 | ||
| 119 | Bosnia and Herzegovina | 19 | 19 | ||
| 120 | Burkina Faso | 18 | 18 | ||
| 121 | Equatorial Guinea | 18 | 18 | ||
| 122 | Mozambique | 18 | 18 | ||
| 123 | South Sudan | 18 | 18 | ||
| 124 | Burundi | 17 | 17 | ||
| 125 | Nicaragua | 17 | 17 | ||
| 126 | Togo | 17 | 17 | ||
| 127 | Niger | 16 | 16 | ||
| 128 | Nepal | 14 | 14 | ||
| 129 | Malawi | 13 | 13 | ||
| 130 | Djibouti | 12 | 12 | ||
| 131 | Mongolia | 11 | 11 | ||
| 132 | Montenegro | 11 | 11 | ||
| 133 | Guinea | 10 | 10 | ||
| 134 | Lithuania | 10 | 10 | ||
| 135 | Malta | 10 | 10 | ||
| 136 | Guyana | 8 | 8 | ||
| 137 | Lesotho | 8 | 8 | ||
| 138 | Estonia | 6 | 6 | ||
| 139 | Kyrgyzstan | 6 | 6 | ||
| 140 | Ivory Coast | 5 | 5 | ||
| 141 | Madagascar | 5 | 5 | ||
| 142 | Eswatini | 5 | 5 | ||
| 143 | Cyprus | 4 | 4 | ||
| 144 | Latvia | 4 | 4 | ||
| 145 | Sierra Leone | 4 | 4 | ||
| 146 | Central African Republic | 3 | 3 | ||
| 147 | Maldives | 3 | 3 | ||
| 148 | Seychelles | 3 | 3 | ||
| 149 | Suriname | 3 | 3 | ||
| 150 | The Bahamas | 3 | 3 | ||
| 151 | Belize | 2 | 2 | ||
| 152 | Bhutan | 2 | 2 | ||
| 153 | Trinidad and Tobago | 2 | 2 | ||
| 154 | Benin | 1 | 1 | ||
| 155 | Luxembourg | 1 | 1 | ||
| 156 | Moldova | 1 | 3 | ||
| 157 | The Gambia | 1 | 1 |
Largest Air Forces
The ten countries with the largest air forces in the world are the United States, Russia, China, India, Egypt, North Korea, South Korea, Pakistan, Japan, and Saudi Arabia. The country with the largest air force in the world is the US, with 5,217 aircraft in its air force. Russia las the second largest air force in the world with 3,863 aircraft, while China has 1,991 aircraft. India is the fourth country with the largest air force with 1,715 aircraft, while Egypt has 1,062. North Korea has the sixth largest air force with 946 aircraft, South Korea has the seventh largest air force in the world with 898 aircraft, and Pakistan has the eighth largest air force with 810 aircraft. Japan has 746 aircraft in its Air Force, and Saudi Arabia is the tenth country with the largest air force in the world with 690 aircraft. Each of these countries has its own unique set of needs and uses for its air force, whether it be for defense, surveillance, or military operations.
Here are the top 10 largest air forces in the world:
1. United States – 5,217
2. Russia – 3,863
3. China – 1,991
4. India – 1,715
5. Egypt – 1,062
6. North Korea – 946
7. South Korea – 898
8. Pakistan – 810
9. Japan – 746
10. Saudi Arabia – 690
Largest Air Force in the World
The country with the largest air force in the world is the United States of America, with 5,217 aircraft in its Air Force. The US Air Force (USAF) is the aerial warfare branch of the United States Armed Forces and is responsible for maintaining the air superiority of the country’s military. The USAF is also the largest and most technologically advanced air force in the world, with a wide variety of aircraft, including fighter jets, bombers, transport planes, and helicopters. Its fleet includes iconic planes such as the F-22 Raptor, the F-35 Lightning II, and the B-52 Stratofortress.
Number of Aircraft by Country
Afghanistan
Air Force Aircraft
196
Ranked in the World
#44
Total Aircraft
270
Ranked in the World
#37
Albania
Air Force Aircraft
19
Ranked in the World
#118
Total Aircraft
19
Ranked in the World
#118
Algeria
Air Force Aircraft
534
Ranked in the World
#14
Navy Aircraft
18
Ranked in the World
#30
Total Aircraft
552
Ranked in the World
#21
Angola
Air Force Aircraft
299
Ranked in the World
#27
Total Aircraft
299
Ranked in the World
#34
Argentina
Air Force Aircraft
123
Ranked in the World
#62
Army Aircraft
72
Ranked in the World
#25
Navy Aircraft
23
Ranked in the World
#26
Total Aircraft
218
Ranked in the World
#45
Armenia
Air Force Aircraft
52
Ranked in the World
#89
Total Aircraft
64
Ranked in the World
#86
Australia
Air Force Aircraft
282
Ranked in the World
#29
Army Aircraft
125
Ranked in the World
#18
Navy Aircraft
23
Ranked in the World
#27
Total Aircraft
430
Ranked in the World
#30
Austria
Air Force Aircraft
102
Ranked in the World
#70
Total Aircraft
102
Ranked in the World
#72
Azerbaijan
Air Force Aircraft
149
Ranked in the World
#58
Total Aircraft
149
Ranked in the World
#61
Bahrain
Air Force Aircraft
108
Ranked in the World
#68
Navy Aircraft
2
Ranked in the World
#42
Total Aircraft
110
Ranked in the World
#71
Bangladesh
Air Force Aircraft
173
Ranked in the World
#48
Army Aircraft
13
Ranked in the World
#33
Navy Aircraft
4
Ranked in the World
#38
Total Aircraft
190
Ranked in the World
#52
Belarus
Air Force Aircraft
201
Ranked in the World
#41
Total Aircraft
201
Ranked in the World
#48
Belgium
Air Force Aircraft
115
Ranked in the World
#65
Total Aircraft
115
Ranked in the World
#68
Belize
Air Force Aircraft
2
Ranked in the World
#151
Total Aircraft
2
Ranked in the World
#152
Benin
Air Force Aircraft
1
Ranked in the World
#154
Total Aircraft
1
Ranked in the World
#155
Bhutan
Air Force Aircraft
2
Ranked in the World
#152
Total Aircraft
2
Ranked in the World
#153
Bolivia
Air Force Aircraft
53
Ranked in the World
#88
Army Aircraft
9
Ranked in the World
#36
Navy Aircraft
1
Ranked in the World
#44
Total Aircraft
63
Ranked in the World
#87
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Air Force Aircraft
19
Ranked in the World
#119
Total Aircraft
19
Ranked in the World
#119
Botswana
Air Force Aircraft
46
Ranked in the World
#93
Total Aircraft
46
Ranked in the World
#94
Brazil
Air Force Aircraft
524
Ranked in the World
#15
Army Aircraft
91
Ranked in the World
#20
Navy Aircraft
64
Ranked in the World
#11
Total Aircraft
679
Ranked in the World
#16
Brunei
Air Force Aircraft
27
Ranked in the World
#108
Total Aircraft
27
Ranked in the World
#108
Bulgaria
Air Force Aircraft
63
Ranked in the World
#83
Navy Aircraft
3
Ranked in the World
#40
Total Aircraft
66
Ranked in the World
#84
Burkina Faso
Air Force Aircraft
18
Ranked in the World
#120
Total Aircraft
18
Ranked in the World
#120
Burundi
Air Force Aircraft
17
Ranked in the World
#124
Total Aircraft
17
Ranked in the World
#124
Cambodia
Air Force Aircraft
23
Ranked in the World
#111
Total Aircraft
23
Ranked in the World
#111
Cameroon
Air Force Aircraft
31
Ranked in the World
#105
Total Aircraft
31
Ranked in the World
#105
Canada
Air Force Aircraft
380
Ranked in the World
#20
Total Aircraft
380
Ranked in the World
#31
Central African Republic
Air Force Aircraft
3
Ranked in the World
#146
Total Aircraft
3
Ranked in the World
#146
Chad
Air Force Aircraft
35
Ranked in the World
#101
Total Aircraft
35
Ranked in the World
#101
Chile
Air Force Aircraft
205
Ranked in the World
#40
Army Aircraft
35
Ranked in the World
#30
Navy Aircraft
50
Ranked in the World
#14
Total Aircraft
290
Ranked in the World
#35
Colombia
Air Force Aircraft
295
Ranked in the World
#28
Army Aircraft
132
Ranked in the World
#17
Navy Aircraft
27
Ranked in the World
#23
Total Aircraft
454
Ranked in the World
#27
Croatia
Air Force Aircraft
78
Ranked in the World
#80
Total Aircraft
78
Ranked in the World
#81
Cuba
Air Force Aircraft
80
Ranked in the World
#78
Total Aircraft
80
Ranked in the World
#80
Cyprus
Air Force Aircraft
4
Ranked in the World
#143
Total Aircraft
4
Ranked in the World
#143
Czech Republic
Air Force Aircraft
92
Ranked in the World
#73
Total Aircraft
92
Ranked in the World
#75
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Air Force Aircraft
46
Ranked in the World
#94
Total Aircraft
46
Ranked in the World
#95
Denmark
Air Force Aircraft
115
Ranked in the World
#66
Total Aircraft
115
Ranked in the World
#69
Djibouti
Air Force Aircraft
12
Ranked in the World
#130
Total Aircraft
12
Ranked in the World
#130
Ecuador
Air Force Aircraft
57
Ranked in the World
#85
Army Aircraft
37
Ranked in the World
#29
Navy Aircraft
19
Ranked in the World
#29
Total Aircraft
113
Ranked in the World
#70
Egypt
Air Force Aircraft
1,062
Ranked in the World
#5
Total Aircraft
1,062
Ranked in the World
#8
Egypt has the fifth largest air force in the world, with a total of 1,062 aircraft. Egypt has a long history of military involvement in the Middle East and Africa, and its air force plays a key role in supporting the country's strategic objectives. Egypt has invested heavily in its air force over the years, with a focus on acquiring advanced aircraft and weaponry. The country also benefits from its strategic location, which allows it to project power across the region.
El Salvador
Air Force Aircraft
57
Ranked in the World
#86
Total Aircraft
57
Ranked in the World
#88
Equatorial Guinea
Air Force Aircraft
18
Ranked in the World
#121
Total Aircraft
18
Ranked in the World
#121
Eritrea
Air Force Aircraft
33
Ranked in the World
#102
Total Aircraft
33
Ranked in the World
#102
Estonia
Air Force Aircraft
6
Ranked in the World
#138
Total Aircraft
6
Ranked in the World
#138
Eswatini
Air Force Aircraft
5
Ranked in the World
#140
Total Aircraft
5
Ranked in the World
#140
Ethiopia
Air Force Aircraft
80
Ranked in the World
#79
Army Aircraft
10
Ranked in the World
#34
Total Aircraft
90
Ranked in the World
#76
Finland
Air Force Aircraft
165
Ranked in the World
#50
Army Aircraft
27
Ranked in the World
#31
Total Aircraft
192
Ranked in the World
#50
France
Air Force Aircraft
570
Ranked in the World
#13
Army Aircraft
306
Ranked in the World
#7
Navy Aircraft
179
Ranked in the World
#6
Total Aircraft
1,055
Ranked in the World
#10
Gabon
Air Force Aircraft
23
Ranked in the World
#112
Total Aircraft
23
Ranked in the World
#112
Georgia
Air Force Aircraft
62
Ranked in the World
#84
Total Aircraft
66
Ranked in the World
#85
Germany
Air Force Aircraft
371
Ranked in the World
#21
Army Aircraft
184
Ranked in the World
#13
Navy Aircraft
62
Ranked in the World
#12
Total Aircraft
617
Ranked in the World
#18
Ghana
Air Force Aircraft
20
Ranked in the World
#116
Total Aircraft
20
Ranked in the World
#116
Greece
Air Force Aircraft
363
Ranked in the World
#23
Army Aircraft
246
Ranked in the World
#9
Navy Aircraft
23
Ranked in the World
#28
Total Aircraft
632
Ranked in the World
#17
Guatemala
Air Force Aircraft
33
Ranked in the World
#103
Total Aircraft
33
Ranked in the World
#103
Guinea
Air Force Aircraft
10
Ranked in the World
#133
Total Aircraft
10
Ranked in the World
#133
Guyana
Air Force Aircraft
8
Ranked in the World
#136
Total Aircraft
8
Ranked in the World
#136
Honduras
Air Force Aircraft
43
Ranked in the World
#95
Navy Aircraft
1
Ranked in the World
#45
Total Aircraft
44
Ranked in the World
#96
Hungary
Air Force Aircraft
55
Ranked in the World
#87
Total Aircraft
55
Ranked in the World
#89
India
Air Force Aircraft
1,715
Ranked in the World
#4
Army Aircraft
232
Ranked in the World
#10
Navy Aircraft
239
Ranked in the World
#5
Total Aircraft
2,186
Ranked in the World
#4
India has the fourth largest air force in the world, with a total of 2,186 aircraft. India's air force has been growing steadily over the years, with a focus on modernizing its fleet and expanding its capabilities. The country faces a number of security challenges, including border disputes with Pakistan and China, as well as ongoing tensions with neighboring countries. India's air force is seen as a critical component of its defense strategy, providing the country with the ability to project power and respond to potential threats.
Indonesia
Air Force Aircraft
260
Ranked in the World
#31
Army Aircraft
151
Ranked in the World
#15
Navy Aircraft
50
Ranked in the World
#15
Total Aircraft
461
Ranked in the World
#26
Iran
Air Force Aircraft
343
Ranked in the World
#24
Army Aircraft
79
Ranked in the World
#24
Navy Aircraft
31
Ranked in the World
#22
Total Aircraft
543
Ranked in the World
#22
Iraq
Air Force Aircraft
181
Ranked in the World
#46
Army Aircraft
180
Ranked in the World
#14
Total Aircraft
361
Ranked in the World
#32
Ireland
Air Force Aircraft
23
Ranked in the World
#113
Total Aircraft
23
Ranked in the World
#113
Israel
Air Force Aircraft
597
Ranked in the World
#12
Total Aircraft
597
Ranked in the World
#19
Italy
Air Force Aircraft
503
Ranked in the World
#18
Army Aircraft
255
Ranked in the World
#8
Navy Aircraft
104
Ranked in the World
#8
Total Aircraft
862
Ranked in the World
#13
Ivory Coast
Air Force Aircraft
5
Ranked in the World
#141
Total Aircraft
5
Ranked in the World
#141
Jamaica
Air Force Aircraft
22
Ranked in the World
#115
Total Aircraft
22
Ranked in the World
#115
Japan
Air Force Aircraft
746
Ranked in the World
#9
Army Aircraft
392
Ranked in the World
#6
Navy Aircraft
311
Ranked in the World
#3
Total Aircraft
1,449
Ranked in the World
#6
Japan has the ninth largest air force in the world, with a total of 1,449 aircraft. Japan's air force is one of the most technologically advanced in the world, with a focus on acquiring advanced fighter jets and other cutting-edge technology. The country faces a number of security challenges, including ongoing tensions with neighboring North Korea and territorial disputes with China.
Jordan
Air Force Aircraft
255
Ranked in the World
#33
Total Aircraft
255
Ranked in the World
#39
Kazakhstan
Air Force Aircraft
237
Ranked in the World
#36
Total Aircraft
237
Ranked in the World
#43
Kenya
Air Force Aircraft
106
Ranked in the World
#69
Army Aircraft
45
Ranked in the World
#28
Total Aircraft
151
Ranked in the World
#59
Kuwait
Air Force Aircraft
97
Ranked in the World
#71
Navy Aircraft
2
Ranked in the World
#43
Total Aircraft
99
Ranked in the World
#73
Kyrgyzstan
Air Force Aircraft
6
Ranked in the World
#139
Total Aircraft
6
Ranked in the World
#139
Laos
Air Force Aircraft
32
Ranked in the World
#104
Total Aircraft
32
Ranked in the World
#104
Latvia
Air Force Aircraft
4
Ranked in the World
#144
Total Aircraft
4
Ranked in the World
#144
Lebanon
Air Force Aircraft
76
Ranked in the World
#81
Total Aircraft
76
Ranked in the World
#82
Lesotho
Air Force Aircraft
8
Ranked in the World
#137
Total Aircraft
8
Ranked in the World
#137
Libya
Air Force Aircraft
114
Ranked in the World
#67
Army Aircraft
10
Ranked in the World
#35
Total Aircraft
127
Ranked in the World
#66
Lithuania
Air Force Aircraft
10
Ranked in the World
#134
Total Aircraft
10
Ranked in the World
#134
Luxembourg
Air Force Aircraft
1
Ranked in the World
#155
Total Aircraft
1
Ranked in the World
#156
Madagascar
Air Force Aircraft
5
Ranked in the World
#142
Total Aircraft
5
Ranked in the World
#142
Malawi
Air Force Aircraft
13
Ranked in the World
#129
Total Aircraft
13
Ranked in the World
#129
Malaysia
Air Force Aircraft
119
Ranked in the World
#63
Army Aircraft
14
Ranked in the World
#32
Navy Aircraft
11
Ranked in the World
#34
Total Aircraft
144
Ranked in the World
#63
Maldives
Air Force Aircraft
3
Ranked in the World
#147
Total Aircraft
3
Ranked in the World
#147
Mali
Air Force Aircraft
29
Ranked in the World
#107
Total Aircraft
29
Ranked in the World
#107
Malta
Air Force Aircraft
10
Ranked in the World
#135
Total Aircraft
10
Ranked in the World
#135
Mauritania
Air Force Aircraft
25
Ranked in the World
#110
Total Aircraft
25
Ranked in the World
#110
Mexico
Air Force Aircraft
326
Ranked in the World
#25
Navy Aircraft
143
Ranked in the World
#7
Total Aircraft
469
Ranked in the World
#24
Moldova
Air Force Aircraft
1
Ranked in the World
#156
Total Aircraft
3
Ranked in the World
#148
Mongolia
Air Force Aircraft
11
Ranked in the World
#131
Total Aircraft
11
Ranked in the World
#131
Montenegro
Air Force Aircraft
11
Ranked in the World
#132
Total Aircraft
11
Ranked in the World
#132
Morocco
Air Force Aircraft
244
Ranked in the World
#34
Navy Aircraft
5
Ranked in the World
#36
Total Aircraft
249
Ranked in the World
#40
Mozambique
Air Force Aircraft
18
Ranked in the World
#122
Total Aircraft
18
Ranked in the World
#122
Myanmar
Air Force Aircraft
275
Ranked in the World
#30
Army Aircraft
5
Ranked in the World
#37
Total Aircraft
280
Ranked in the World
#36
Namibia
Air Force Aircraft
30
Ranked in the World
#106
Total Aircraft
30
Ranked in the World
#106
Nepal
Air Force Aircraft
14
Ranked in the World
#128
Total Aircraft
14
Ranked in the World
#128
Netherlands
Air Force Aircraft
86
Ranked in the World
#75
Total Aircraft
156
Ranked in the World
#58
New Zealand
Air Force Aircraft
47
Ranked in the World
#92
Total Aircraft
47
Ranked in the World
#93
Nicaragua
Air Force Aircraft
17
Ranked in the World
#125
Total Aircraft
17
Ranked in the World
#125
Niger
Air Force Aircraft
16
Ranked in the World
#127
Total Aircraft
16
Ranked in the World
#127
Nigeria
Air Force Aircraft
135
Ranked in the World
#60
Navy Aircraft
5
Ranked in the World
#37
Total Aircraft
140
Ranked in the World
#64
North Korea
Air Force Aircraft
946
Ranked in the World
#6
Total Aircraft
946
Ranked in the World
#11
North Korea has the sixth largest air force in the world, with a total of 946 aircraft. North Korea's air force is largely made up of outdated Soviet-era planes, but the country has been investing heavily in modernizing its fleet in recent years. The country's air force plays a critical role in defending against potential attacks and projecting power in the region. Despite facing a number of economic and political challenges, North Korea remains committed to investing in its military capabilities.
Norway
Air Force Aircraft
161
Ranked in the World
#53
Total Aircraft
161
Ranked in the World
#56
Oman
Air Force Aircraft
128
Ranked in the World
#61
Total Aircraft
128
Ranked in the World
#65
Pakistan
Air Force Aircraft
810
Ranked in the World
#8
Army Aircraft
544
Ranked in the World
#4
Navy Aircraft
32
Ranked in the World
#21
Total Aircraft
1,386
Ranked in the World
#7
Pakistan has the eighth largest air force in the world, with a total of 1,386 aircraft. Pakistan's air force has been growing steadily over the years, with a focus on modernizing its fleet and expanding its capabilities. The country faces a number of security challenges, including ongoing tensions with neighboring India and a growing threat from terrorism. Pakistan's air force is seen as a critical component of its defense strategy, providing the country with the ability to project power and respond to potential threats.
Panama
Air Force Aircraft
39
Ranked in the World
#98
Total Aircraft
39
Ranked in the World
#98
Paraguay
Air Force Aircraft
40
Ranked in the World
#97
Navy Aircraft
1
Ranked in the World
#46
Total Aircraft
41
Ranked in the World
#97
People's Republic of China
Air Force Aircraft
1,991
Ranked in the World
#3
Army Aircraft
857
Ranked in the World
#2
Navy Aircraft
437
Ranked in the World
#2
Total Aircraft
3,285
Ranked in the World
#3
The country with the third largest air force in the world is China, with a total of 3,285 aircraft. The Chinese air force has been rapidly expanding over the past few decades, with a focus on modernizing its fleet to keep pace with other major powers. China's increasing economic and geopolitical influence has allowed it to invest heavily in its military, including the air force. The country's air force is also seen as an important tool for projecting power in the region and defending against potential threats.
Peru
Air Force Aircraft
153
Ranked in the World
#55
Army Aircraft
55
Ranked in the World
#27
Navy Aircraft
35
Ranked in the World
#19
Total Aircraft
243
Ranked in the World
#42
Philippines
Air Force Aircraft
165
Ranked in the World
#51
Navy Aircraft
17
Ranked in the World
#31
Total Aircraft
182
Ranked in the World
#53
Poland
Air Force Aircraft
256
Ranked in the World
#32
Army Aircraft
145
Ranked in the World
#16
Navy Aircraft
35
Ranked in the World
#20
Total Aircraft
436
Ranked in the World
#29
Portugal
Air Force Aircraft
75
Ranked in the World
#82
Total Aircraft
75
Ranked in the World
#83
Qatar
Air Force Aircraft
165
Ranked in the World
#52
Total Aircraft
165
Ranked in the World
#55
Republic of Macedonia
Air Force Aircraft
20
Ranked in the World
#117
Total Aircraft
20
Ranked in the World
#117
Romania
Air Force Aircraft
144
Ranked in the World
#59
Navy Aircraft
3
Ranked in the World
#41
Total Aircraft
147
Ranked in the World
#62
Russia
Air Force Aircraft
3,863
Ranked in the World
#2
Navy Aircraft
310
Ranked in the World
#4
Total Aircraft
4,173
Ranked in the World
#2
Russia has the second largest air force in the world with 3,863 aircraft. This is because the country places a high priority on military development and has a long history of investing in its military forces. Additionally, Russia has a vast territory to defend, which requires a large and powerful air force to protect its borders.
Rwanda
Air Force Aircraft
23
Ranked in the World
#114
Total Aircraft
23
Ranked in the World
#114
Saudi Arabia
Air Force Aircraft
690
Ranked in the World
#10
Army Aircraft
80
Ranked in the World
#23
Navy Aircraft
56
Ranked in the World
#13
Total Aircraft
897
Ranked in the World
#12
Saudi Arabia has the tenth largest air force in the world with 690 aircraft. The country's large air force is largely due to its strategic location and its role as a key player in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia has a history of investing heavily in its military, and its air force plays an important role in its national defense strategy.
Senegal
Air Force Aircraft
26
Ranked in the World
#109
Total Aircraft
26
Ranked in the World
#109
Serbia
Air Force Aircraft
117
Ranked in the World
#64
Total Aircraft
117
Ranked in the World
#67
Seychelles
Air Force Aircraft
3
Ranked in the World
#148
Total Aircraft
3
Ranked in the World
#149
Sierra Leone
Air Force Aircraft
4
Ranked in the World
#145
Total Aircraft
4
Ranked in the World
#145
Singapore
Air Force Aircraft
244
Ranked in the World
#35
Total Aircraft
244
Ranked in the World
#41
Slovakia
Air Force Aircraft
50
Ranked in the World
#90
Total Aircraft
50
Ranked in the World
#90
Slovenia
Air Force Aircraft
37
Ranked in the World
#99
Total Aircraft
37
Ranked in the World
#99
South Africa
Air Force Aircraft
225
Ranked in the World
#38
Total Aircraft
225
Ranked in the World
#44
South Korea
Air Force Aircraft
898
Ranked in the World
#7
Army Aircraft
611
Ranked in the World
#3
Navy Aircraft
69
Ranked in the World
#10
Total Aircraft
1,595
Ranked in the World
#5
South Korea has the seventh largest air force in the world, with a total of 1,595 aircraft. South Korea's air force is seen as one of the most technologically advanced in the world, with a focus on acquiring advanced fighter jets and other cutting-edge technology. The country faces ongoing tensions with North Korea, which has driven its investment in military capabilities. South Korea's air force is also an important tool for projecting power in the region and supporting the country's strategic objectives.
South Sudan
Air Force Aircraft
18
Ranked in the World
#123
Total Aircraft
18
Ranked in the World
#123
Spain
Air Force Aircraft
365
Ranked in the World
#22
Army Aircraft
89
Ranked in the World
#21
Navy Aircraft
49
Ranked in the World
#16
Total Aircraft
503
Ranked in the World
#23
Sri Lanka
Air Force Aircraft
82
Ranked in the World
#76
Navy Aircraft
4
Ranked in the World
#39
Total Aircraft
86
Ranked in the World
#78
Sudan
Air Force Aircraft
192
Ranked in the World
#45
Total Aircraft
192
Ranked in the World
#51
Suriname
Air Force Aircraft
3
Ranked in the World
#149
Total Aircraft
3
Ranked in the World
#150
Sweden
Air Force Aircraft
151
Ranked in the World
#56
Total Aircraft
204
Ranked in the World
#47
Switzerland
Air Force Aircraft
158
Ranked in the World
#54
Total Aircraft
158
Ranked in the World
#57
Syria
Air Force Aircraft
452
Ranked in the World
#19
Total Aircraft
452
Ranked in the World
#28
Taiwan
Air Force Aircraft
516
Ranked in the World
#16
Army Aircraft
200
Ranked in the World
#11
Navy Aircraft
25
Ranked in the World
#24
Total Aircraft
741
Ranked in the World
#14
Tanzania
Air Force Aircraft
37
Ranked in the World
#100
Total Aircraft
37
Ranked in the World
#100
Thailand
Air Force Aircraft
230
Ranked in the World
#37
Army Aircraft
199
Ranked in the World
#12
Navy Aircraft
40
Ranked in the World
#18
Total Aircraft
469
Ranked in the World
#25
The Bahamas
Air Force Aircraft
3
Ranked in the World
#150
Total Aircraft
3
Ranked in the World
#151
The Gambia
Air Force Aircraft
1
Ranked in the World
#157
Total Aircraft
1
Ranked in the World
#157
Togo
Air Force Aircraft
17
Ranked in the World
#126
Total Aircraft
17
Ranked in the World
#126
Trinidad and Tobago
Air Force Aircraft
2
Ranked in the World
#153
Total Aircraft
2
Ranked in the World
#154
Tunisia
Air Force Aircraft
151
Ranked in the World
#57
Total Aircraft
151
Ranked in the World
#60
Turkey
Air Force Aircraft
612
Ranked in the World
#11
Army Aircraft
398
Ranked in the World
#5
Navy Aircraft
47
Ranked in the World
#17
Total Aircraft
1,057
Ranked in the World
#9
Turkmenistan
Air Force Aircraft
82
Ranked in the World
#77
Total Aircraft
82
Ranked in the World
#79
Uganda
Air Force Aircraft
49
Ranked in the World
#91
Total Aircraft
49
Ranked in the World
#92
Ukraine
Air Force Aircraft
207
Ranked in the World
#39
Army Aircraft
98
Ranked in the World
#19
Navy Aircraft
13
Ranked in the World
#33
Total Aircraft
318
Ranked in the World
#33
United Arab Emirates
Air Force Aircraft
323
Ranked in the World
#26
Total Aircraft
554
Ranked in the World
#20
United Kingdom
Air Force Aircraft
511
Ranked in the World
#17
Army Aircraft
84
Ranked in the World
#22
Navy Aircraft
98
Ranked in the World
#9
Total Aircraft
693
Ranked in the World
#15
United States of America
Air Force Aircraft
5,217
Ranked in the World
#1
Army Aircraft
4,409
Ranked in the World
#1
Navy Aircraft
2,464
Ranked in the World
#1
Total Aircraft
13,247
Ranked in the World
#1
The United States has the largest air force in the world with 5,217 aircraft. This is because the United States is one of the world's superpowers and has historically placed a high priority on military development. The US military is known for its advanced technology and equipment, and its air force is no exception. Additionally, the country has a vast territory to defend and has been involved in numerous military conflicts over the years, which has necessitated a large and powerful air force.
Uruguay
Air Force Aircraft
43
Ranked in the World
#96
Navy Aircraft
7
Ranked in the World
#35
Total Aircraft
50
Ranked in the World
#91
Uzbekistan
Air Force Aircraft
200
Ranked in the World
#43
Total Aircraft
200
Ranked in the World
#49
Venezuela
Air Force Aircraft
167
Ranked in the World
#49
Army Aircraft
64
Ranked in the World
#26
Navy Aircraft
25
Ranked in the World
#25
Total Aircraft
256
Ranked in the World
#38
Vietnam
Air Force Aircraft
201
Ranked in the World
#42
Navy Aircraft
16
Ranked in the World
#32
Total Aircraft
217
Ranked in the World
#46
Yemen
Air Force Aircraft
177
Ranked in the World
#47
Total Aircraft
177
Ranked in the World
#54
Zambia
Air Force Aircraft
97
Ranked in the World
#72
Total Aircraft
97
Ranked in the World
#74
Zimbabwe
Air Force Aircraft
90
Ranked in the World
#74
Total Aircraft
90
Ranked in the World
#77
FAQs
Who has the largest air force in the world ?
The country with the largest air force in the world is the United States of America with 5,217 aircraft.
How many aircraft does Russia have ?
Russia has 3,863 aircraft.
How many aircraft does the US have ?
The US has 5,217 aircraft in its Air Force.
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