By Frank Kamuntu
When it comes to air superiority in the volatile Pacific area, the United States and China are at the top of the list. Both countries have some of the most advanced air forces in the world, and their ongoing defense investments imply that the battle for air control will continue in the future years.
Russia has established a strong presence on the international stage, with a fleet of over 1,500 combat jets. Although its air force is smaller than that of the United States, the caliber of its jets is indisputable; the Su-57, MiG-29, and Su-30 are the major planes in the Russian air force.
The United States, Russia, and China are among the top-ranking nations on Ceoworld’s list. A notable association develops between countries with big aircraft fleets and their ability to maintain larger fighter jet stocks, which is frequently paralleled by significant military expenditures.
We will investigate the countries with the most fighter jets, revealing the complexities of international air power. The critical components for a nation to have the most fighter jets are developed technology and numerical supremacy.
This article will discuss the top 10 countries with the most fighter planes, as well as how these aircraft contribute to modern combat.
1. United States
- Fighter jets in military: 2757 (20.7% of total fleet)
Total military aircraft fleet: 13300
Most common fighter jet: F-16C (775 aircraft)
Defense expenditure, 2022: $876.9 billion
2. China
- Fighter jets in military: 1570 (49.6% of total fleet)
Total military aircraft fleet: 3166
Most common fighter jet: J-7 (387 aircraft)
Defense expenditure, 2022: $292.0 billion
3. Russia
- Fighter jets in military: 1517 (36.3% of total fleet)
Total military aircraft fleet: 4182
Most common fighter jet: Su-27/30/35 (353 aircraft)
Defense expenditure, 2022: $86.4 billion
4. India
- Fighter jets in the military: 707 (32.0% of total fleet)
Total military aircraft fleet: 2210
Most common fighter jet: Su-30 MKI (248 aircraft)
Defense expenditure, 2022: $81.4 billion
5. South Korea
- Fighter jets in military: 500 (31.2% of total fleet)
Total military aircraft fleet: 1602
Most common fighter jet: F-5E (156 aircraft)
Defense expenditure, 2022: $46.4 billion
6. Pakistan
- Fighter jets in military: 453 (32.1% of total fleet)
Total military aircraft fleet: 1413
Most common fighter jet: F-7 (135 aircraft)
Defense expenditure, 2022: $10.3 billion
7. Saudi Arabia
- Fighter jets in military: 364 (40.6% of total fleet)
Total military aircraft fleet: 897
Most common fighter jet: F-15C/S/SA (211 aircraft)
Defense expenditure, 2022: $75.0 billion
8. Egypt
- Fighter jets in military: 333 (31.2% of total fleet)
Total military aircraft fleet: 1069
Most common fighter jet: F-16A/C (168 aircraft)
Defense expenditure, 2022: $4.6 billion
9. Taiwan
- Fighter jets in military: 285 (38.7% of total fleet)
Total military aircraft fleet: 737
Most common fighter jet: F-16A/V (110 aircraft)
Defense expenditure, 2022: $12.5 billion
10. Israel
- Fighter jets in military: 273 (45.4% of total fleet)
Total military aircraft fleet: 601
Most common fighter jet: F-16C/I (175 aircraft)
Defense expenditure, 2022: $23.4 billion.
