Largest Air Forces in the World Ranked by Military Aircraft in 2025

The United States remains the world’s undisputed leader in military aviation, operating more aircraft than the next nine countries combined, according to data compiled by World Population Review.

The US Armed Forces, including the United States Air Force (USAF), Navy (USN), Army (USA), and Marine Corps (USMC), operate out of major bases such as Joint Base Andrews (ADW) and Nellis Air Force Base (LSV).

Air forces in Russia and China, including the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS) and the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF), hold the second and third spots, respectively, in terms of total military aircraft numbers.

Despite some modernization efforts by other nations, the US military’s quantitative and technological advantage remains unchallenged.

Photo: US Air Force

World’s Largest Air Forces

The size and scope of military air fleets are crucial indicators of national defense capabilities.

As of 2025, the United States has the World’s Largest Air Forces with a combined total of 14,486 military aircraft, spread across four service branches.

By comparison, Russia maintains 4,211 aircraft, while China follows with 3,304. India and Japan round out the top five with 2,296 and 1,459 aircraft, respectively.

Each US service branch ranks individually among the world’s largest air forces:

• US Air Force (USAF): 5,004 aircraft
• US Army Aviation: 4,333 aircraft
• US Navy (USN): 2,504 aircraft
• US Marine Corps (USMC): 1,211 aircraft

In contrast, other countries concentrate their fleets into a single national air force, often lacking the breadth of specialized aircraft types seen in the US, particularly in airlift, refueling, and rotary-wing platforms.

F-35 Lightning II; Photo- Wikipedia

Fighter Fleet

The United States dominates in the number of fighter aircraft, including a significant portion of fifth-generation stealth jets such as the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II.

The US fighter fleet is not only the largest but also the most advanced globally, totaling 2,600+ frontline fighters within the broader aircraft total.

China’s PLAAF has introduced fifth-generation jets like the J-20, and the J-35 is rumored to be nearing deployment. Russia, though third in total aircraft, has limited numbers of Su-57 Felon stealth fighters.

Fighter Fleet Ranking:

1. USA – 2,600+ fifth and fourth-gen fighters
2. Russia – Approx. 1,200
3. China – Approx. 1,100
4. India – Over 600
5. Japan – Around 300

Japan and India are actively upgrading, with F-35s entering service in Japan and Rafale jets delivered to India from France. Both nations also operate legacy aircraft from Russia and the United States.

Photo: NARA & DVIDS Public Domain Archive

Strategic Bomber Fleets

In strategic strike, only three nations, the United States, China, and Russia, maintain active bomber fleets.

1. China – 209 Bombers
2. USA – 140 Bombers
3. Russia – 120 Bombers

China leads with 209 bombers, primarily the Xian H-6, a jet-powered platform, but lacks fifth-generation technology.

The US, with 140 bombers, including 19 stealth B-2 Spirits and the iconic B-52 Stratofortress, holds a technological edge.

Russia, with 120 bombers like the Tu-95 Bear and Tu-160 Blackjack, faces challenges in maintaining its aging fleet amid ongoing conflicts.

Recent leaks on platforms like X suggest China may be developing a stealth bomber similar to the B-2, potentially shifting the balance.

However, the US remains unmatched in advanced platforms, with bases like Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri (SZL), housing its B-2 fleet.

Russia’s bombers, operating from bases like Engels Air Base, Saratov (RTW), are critical but diminishing in number.

Photo: By Nicky Boogaard from Hardinxveld-Giessendam, Netherlands – RNLAF AH-64 Apache at the Oirschotse Heide Low Flying Area, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=69915015

Helicopter Strength

The US Army operates the largest helicopter force globally, including AH-64 Apache attack helicopters and UH-60 Blackhawks. Its fleet supports rapid deployment, logistics, and combat operations across multiple theaters.

Russia follows with 1,551 helicopters, including the Mil Mi-24 Hind and Ka-52 Hokum, but these lack the technological updates of the Apache.

India, with 498 helicopters, and Japan, with 72, both utilize Apaches, while China’s 68 helicopters reflect a developing capability.

The US also fields thousands of CH-47 Chinooks and UH-60 Blackhawks, alongside the unique V-22 Osprey tiltrotor, unmatched globally.

Japan operates a small number of Ospreys, while India relies on Chinooks for heavy transport. Russia’s helicopter fleet, while sizable, struggles with maintenance and modernization.

Helicopter Fleet Ranking:

1. USA – 5,509 Helicopter Fleet
2. Russia – 1,551 Helicopter Fleet
3. India – 498 Helicopter Fleet
4. Japan – 72 Helicopter Fleet
5. China – 68 Helicopter Fleet

The Bell V-22 Osprey, operated by the USMC and Japan, is the only tiltrotor aircraft in active service worldwide, offering unique vertical lift and fixed-wing speed.

Pegasus Refuels Globemaster, US Air Force; Photo- Wikipedia

Transport Aircraft

The US owns the world’s most capable airlift fleet, highlighted by heavy transport aircraft like the C-5 Galaxy, C-17 Globemaster III, and C-130 Hercules. The USAF’s nearly 700 transport aircraft enable unmatched global logistical reach.

Transport Fleet Ranking:

1. USA – 1,020
2. Russia – 462
3. India – 282
4. China – 270
5. Japan – 44

Russia’s reliance on aircraft like the Il-76 and An-124 supports its vast internal terrain. China is investing in the Y-20 Kunpeng, a jet transport rivaling the C-17.

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