Largest Air Force in the World by F-35 Fleet in 2025

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Few military aircraft have reshaped global airpower as dramatically as the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II. First flying in 2006, the jet has since become the world’s most prolific fifth-generation fighter.

Currently, more than 1,200 F-35s are in service across 20 countries, making it the first truly multinational stealth fighter. In this article, we will have a look at the top 10 nations by F-35 fleet size. We will also explore why these numbers matter for the future of global security.

10. Denmark

Denmark is the newest NATO country to join the F-35 club, with an order for 27 F-35A Lightning IIs. Deliveries began in the early 2020s, and by 2025 the Royal Danish Air Force has a small but steadily growing fleet, with some aircraft still stationed in the United States for training.

Replacing its F-16 fleet, Denmark’s F-35s will enable stronger participation in NATO’s Baltic and Arctic air policing missions. The fleet size may be modest, but for a nation with a small air force, the Lightning II provides a generational leap in capability.

9. South Korea

South Korea has ordered 60 F-35A Lightning IIs, with nearly 40 operational by 2025. Seoul views the aircraft as a critical component of its defense against North Korea’s missile and nuclear programs.

Operating from hardened airbases, South Korea’s F-35s bring advanced strike capability with precision-guided munitions, long-range sensors, and stealth profiles suited for penetrating heavily defended airspace.

Plans to acquire additional F-35Bs for shipborne operations are also under discussion, which would further expand the fleet’s flexibility.

8. The Netherlands

The Royal Netherlands Air Force is transitioning its fighter fleet from F-16s to 52 ordered F-35As, with over 40 delivered by 2025. These aircraft are central to Dutch NATO commitments, including quick reaction alert missions and exercises across Europe.

The Netherlands was one of the early partners in the Joint Strike Fighter program, and its pilots have quickly integrated the aircraft into multinational operations.

Though relatively small, the Dutch fleet is fully aligned with NATO’s airpower strategy, ensuring interoperability alongside larger allies.

7. Norway

Norway has completed delivery of its 52 F-35As, making it one of the first European nations to field a full Lightning II fleet. Operating from Ørland and Evenes Air Bases, Norway’s F-35s are tasked with defending NATO’s northern flank and operating in challenging Arctic conditions.

The aircraft have replaced F-16s in quick reaction alert duties and play a central role in monitoring Russian activity near the High North. With full integration into NATO’s command networks, Norway’s F-35s provide both deterrence and rapid-response capability.

6. Israel

Israel has ordered around 75 F-35s, of which nearly 50 have been delivered by 2025. Known locally as the “Adir” (Mighty), Israel’s F-35A fleet is customized with indigenous avionics, weapons, and electronic warfare systems.

The Israeli Air Force was the first in the world to use the F-35 in combat operations, striking targets in the Middle East as early as 2018.

The aircraft’s stealth and sensor fusion give Israel a decisive edge over regional adversaries, while ongoing upgrades will allow the Adir to control drones in future operations.

5. Italy

Italy has one of the most diverse F-35 fleets, with 75 F-35As and 20–40 F-35Bs ordered. Deliveries are well underway, with both the Italian Air Force and Navy operating the aircraft.

The -A variant provides multirole strike capability, while the -B variant operates from the aircraft carrier Cavour, restoring Italy’s fixed-wing naval aviation.

Italy is also unique for hosting one of only three F-35 final assembly facilities worldwide, at Cameri, which produces aircraft for Italy and other European customers.

4. Australia

Australia is one of the few nations to have received its full F-35 order: 72 F-35As. By 2025, the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has fully transitioned from the F/A-18A/B Hornet to the Lightning II, with aircraft spread across multiple bases.

The F-35 enhances Australia’s long-range strike capability in the Indo-Pacific, operating with advanced AESA radars and standoff missiles like the JASSM-ER. Combined with strong interoperability with U.S. forces, Australia’s fleet is a cornerstone of deterrence in the region.

3. United Kingdom

The United Kingdom, a founding partner in the F-35 program, operates the short takeoff/vertical landing F-35B. By 2025, it fields around 40 aircraft, with a total of 60–80 expected by the end of the decade.

The UK’s F-35Bs serve jointly with the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy, flying from land bases and the carriers HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales.

As the only Tier 1 partner in the program, the UK invested deeply in development and continues to emphasize carrier strike power. Its fleet is central to NATO operations and Indo-Pacific deployments alongside allies.

2. Japan

Japan has emerged as the largest F-35 operator outside the United States, with an order for 147 aircraft: 105 F-35As and 42 F-35Bs. Deliveries are well underway, with over 60 operational by 2025.

The F-35As are replacing Japan’s aging F-4EJ Phantom and complementing upgraded F-15Js. Meanwhile, the F-35Bs will embark from the converted Izumo-class helicopter destroyers, giving Japan shipborne fixed-wing aviation for the first time since World War II.

With regional tensions rising, Japan’s fleet ensures it remains at the cutting edge of air defense and maritime strike.

1. United States

The United States is by far the largest F-35 operator, accounting for more than two-thirds of global deliveries. By 2025, the U.S. Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps collectively operate several hundred aircraft across all three variants.

F-35A (USAF): Over 400 delivered, with plans for 1,763 in total.
F-35B (USMC): Short takeoff/vertical landing jets deployed from amphibious ships and forward bases.
F-35C (USN & USMC): Carrier-based variant integrated into U.S. Navy air wings.

U.S. F-35s are deployed worldwide, from Europe’s eastern flank to carriers in the Indo-Pacific. Block 4 upgrades, advanced datalinks, and next-generation engines are in development to keep the fleet ahead of peer adversaries.

Quick Snapshot of Ranking

Rank Country Fleet / Total Order Variant(s) Special Features

1	USA	~400+ in service / 2,400+ planned	A / B / C	Global deployments, largest operator
2	Japan	147 ordered / ~60+ delivered	A / B	First shipborne fleet since WWII
3	UK	~40 in service / 60–80 planned	B only	Carrier ops from QE-class carriers
4	Australia	72 delivered (full order)	A only	Full fleet operational
5	Italy	75 F-35A + 20–40 F-35B	A / B	FACO hub, naval aviation restored
6	Israel	75 ordered / ~50 delivered	F-35I (A variant)	Customized with local systems
7	Norway	52 delivered (full order)	A only	Arctic NATO missions
8	Netherlands	52 ordered / 40+ delivered	A only	Transitioning from F-16
9	South Korea	60 ordered / ~40 delivered	A only	Deterrence vs. North Korea
10	Denmark	27 ordered / deliveries underway	A only	NATO air policing missions

Source: Simple Flying

Bottom Line

The F-35 is more than just a fighter jet. Its true power lies in the global network it creates — allies flying the same stealth platform, sharing tactics, and integrating logistics.

In future conflicts, whether in Europe, the Middle East, or the Indo-Pacific, the decisive factor may not be one nation’s fleet, but the collective strength of an interoperable, fifth-generation coalition.

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