US Air Force Aircraft Fleet in 2025

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The United States Air Force (USAF) operates the largest and most technologically advanced air fleet globally, with 5,004 active aircraft in 2025, according to data from the World Directory of Modern Military Aircraft (WDMMA).

This extensive inventory includes fighters, bombers, close-air support aircraft, helicopters, transports, trainers, aerial tankers, and special-mission platforms, enabling the USAF to project power, support ground operations, and maintain air superiority worldwide.

The fleet’s readiness rates are impressive, with 2,502 aircraft available at 50% readiness, 3,503 at 70%, 3,753 at 75%, and 4,003 at 80%, ensuring robust operational capability.

The USAF is also modernizing its fleet, with 2,227 aircraft on order, including advanced platforms like the F-35A Lightning II and B-21A Raider.

These acquisitions reflect a strategic focus on maintaining technological superiority and operational flexibility.

US Air Force Aircraft Fleet

The USAF’s 5,004 aircraft inventory represents the largest active military aviation fleet globally, distributed across nine primary mission categories.

Each category serves specific operational requirements while contributing to overall force projection capabilities.

Category Total Units Percentage of Fleet Key Models and Counts

Fighters	1,610	32.2%	F-16C: 762, F-35A: 302, F-15E: 218, F-22A: 183, F-15C: 137, F-15EX: 8
Bombers	140	2.8%	B-52H: 76, B-1B: 45, B-2A: 19
Close-Air Support	295	5.9%	A-10C: 261, AC-130J: 31, A-29C: 3
Helicopters	218	4.4%	HH-60G/U: 64, UH-1N: 63, CV-22B: 52, HH-60W: 32, MH-139A: 7
Transports	697	13.9%	C-17A: 222, C-130J: 151, C-130H: 126, C-5M: 52, others
Trainers	1,325	26.5%	T-38A/C/AT: 495, T-6A: 442, F-16D: 150, T-1A: 127, others
Aerial Tankers	453	9.1%	KC-135R/T: 376, KC-46A: 77
Special-Mission	266	5.3%	MC-130J: 57, HC-130J: 39, MC-12W: 36, U-28A: 30, others

The fleet’s diverse composition enables the Air Force to conduct simultaneous operations across multiple theaters while maintaining strategic deterrence and homeland defense responsibilities.

Current procurement trends indicate positive growth outlooks for most categories, with significant investments in next-generation platforms.

The service maintains rigorous readiness standards across all aircraft types, though specific readiness rates vary by mission category and aircraft age.

This comprehensive fleet structure supports the Air Force’s core missions of air superiority, global strike, rapid global mobility, intelligence surveillance reconnaissance, and command and control.

Fighters

The fighter fleet, comprising 1,610 aircraft (32.2% of the total), is the cornerstone of the USAF’s air combat capabilities.

These aircraft are designed for air-to-air combat and air superiority missions, ensuring dominance in contested airspace. The fleet includes:

F-16C Fighting Falcon: 762 units, a versatile multirole fighter known for its agility and combat effectiveness.
F-35A Lightning II: 302 units, a fifth-generation stealth fighter with advanced sensors and networking capabilities.
F-15E Strike Eagle: 218 units, a dual-role fighter for air-to-ground and air-to-air missions.
F-22A Raptor: 183 units, a fifth-generation stealth fighter optimized for air superiority.
F-15C Eagle: 137 units, a legacy air superiority fighter.
F-15EX Eagle II: 8 units, a modernized version of the F-15 with enhanced capabilities.

The F-35A is a priority for future procurement, with 1,454 units on order, reflecting its critical role in modernizing the fighter fleet.

Bombers

The bomber fleet, with 140 aircraft (2.8% of the total), provides strategic strike capabilities over long distances. These aircraft are essential for both conventional and nuclear missions. The fleet includes:

B-52H Stratofortress: 76 units, a long-serving bomber capable of carrying a wide range of munitions.
B-1B Lancer: 45 units, a supersonic bomber designed for low-level penetration.
B-2A Spirit: 19 units, a stealth bomber for precision strikes with minimal detection.

The USAF is procuring 100 B-21A Raider bombers, a next-generation stealth platform, to enhance its strategic capabilities.

Close-Air Support

The close-air support fleet, with 295 aircraft (5.9% of the total), supports ground troops by engaging enemy targets in close proximity. The fleet includes:

A-10C Thunderbolt II: 261 units, known for its durability and powerful 30mm cannon.
AC-130J Ghostrider: 31 units, a gunship variant of the C-130 with precision weapons.
A-29C Super Tucano: 3 units, a light attack aircraft for counter-insurgency missions.

The A-10C remains a key asset for ground support due to its effectiveness in close-quarters combat.

Helicopters

The helicopter fleet, comprising 218 units (4.4% of the total), supports missions such as search and rescue, transport, and special operations. The fleet includes:

HH-60G/U Pave Hawk: 64 units, used for combat search and rescue.
UH-1N Huey: 63 units, a utility helicopter for various support roles.
CV-22B Osprey: 52 units, a tiltrotor aircraft for special operations.
HH-60W Jolly Green II: 32 units, a modern combat search and rescue helicopter.
MH-139A Grey Wolf: 7 units, a new utility helicopter replacing the UH-1N.

Additional helicopters, such as 53 HH-60W and 20 MH-139A, are on order to modernize the rotary wing fleet.

Transports

The transport fleet, with 697 aircraft (13.9% of the total), is vital for logistical support, moving personnel and cargo globally. The fleet includes:

C-17A Globemaster III: 222 units, a strategic airlifter for large payloads.
C-130J Super Hercules: 151 units, a tactical airlifter for diverse missions.
C-130H Hercules: 126 units, an older but reliable tactical airlifter.
C-5M Super Galaxy: 52 units, a heavy lift strategic airlifter.
Other Aircraft: Including U-28A Draco (30), C-12C/D/F/J Huron (29), C-146A Wolfhound (20), and VIP transport aircraft like C-37A/B, C-40B/C, C-32A/B, and VC-25A.

An additional 41 C-130J units are on order to bolster tactical transport capabilities.

Trainers

The trainer fleet, the largest category with 1,325 aircraft (26.5% of the total), is essential for training pilots and aircrew. The fleet includes:

T-38A/C/AT Talon: 495 units, a primary jet trainer.
T-6A Texan II: 442 units, a basic trainer for new pilots.
F-16D Fighting Falcon: 150 units, a two-seat fighter for advanced training.
T-1A Jayhawk: 127 units, used for training transport and tanker pilots.
Other Trainers: Including TH-1H Iroquois (28), T-53A Kadet II (24), and the new T-7A Red Hawk (2 units, with 351 on order).

The T-7A Red Hawk is set to replace the aging T-38 fleet, enhancing training capabilities.

Aerial Tankers

The aerial tanker fleet, with 453 aircraft (9.1% of the total), extends the range of other aircraft through in-flight refueling. The fleet includes:

KC-135R/T Stratotanker: 376 units, the backbone of the tanker fleet.
KC-46A Pegasus: 77 units, a modern tanker with enhanced capabilities.

An additional 102 KC-46A units are on order to replace older KC-135 models.

Special-Mission Platforms

The special mission fleet, with 266 aircraft (5.3% of the total), performs specialized tasks such as reconnaissance and electronic warfare. The fleet includes:

MC-130J Commando II: 57 units, for special operations infiltration and exfiltration.
HC-130J Combat King II: 39 units, for combat search and rescue.
MC-12W Liberty: 36 units, for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.
U-28A Draco: 30 units, for special operations support.
U-2S Dragon Lady: 27 units, a high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft.
Other Platforms: Including RC-135S/U/V/W (25), WC-130J Weatherbird (10), and specialized aircraft like E-4B Nightwatch and EA-37B Compass Call.

Seven MC-130J and one EA-37B are on order to enhance special-mission capabilities.

On Order

The USAF is procuring 2,227 aircraft to modernize its fleet, ensuring long-term dominance. The future procurement includes:

Aircraft Type Units

F-35A	Strike Fighter	1,454
T-7A	Advanced Jet Trainer	351
KC-46A	Aerial Refueling	102
B-21A	Strategic Bomber	100
F-15EX	Multirole Fighter	96
HH-60W	Combat Search and Rescue Helicopter	53
C-130J	Tactical Transport	41
MH-139A	Medium Utility Helicopter	20
MC-130J	Special Operations	7
CV-22B	CSAR/Transport Helicopter	2
EA-37B	Radar Jamming/PsyOp	1

These acquisitions focus on advanced fighters, trainers, tankers, and special-mission aircraft, ensuring the USAF remains at the forefront of military aviation technology.

Conclusion

The USAF’s aircraft fleet in 2025, with 5,004 active units, is likely the largest and most advanced air force globally, supported by high readiness rates and a robust modernization program.

The diverse inventory, spanning fighters to special-mission platforms, enables the USAF to address a wide range of military challenges.

With 2,227 aircraft on order, the USAF is well-positioned to maintain its strategic advantage in the skies for decades to come.

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