Quantcast

Countries lacking multirole fighter jets: An overview

Qantas launches mammoth Asia flight sale including Bali and Japan
New Update from Air Canada, WestJet, American Airlines, Delta, United, Southwest, Alaska, JetBlue Airways, and Sunwing: Airline Capacity Between Canada and US Slashed as Bookings Plummet Seventy Per Cent
Delta Cuts Two Domestic Routes
United Airlines Technicians Reject ‘Dead on Arrival’ Contract Proposal, Teamsters Say
The State of the Asia Pacific Airline Industry
Spirit Airlines to add Detroit nonstop flight out of Bradley International Airport
Major airline to launch new direct flights from Scotland to North America
Ryanair launches new ‘prime’ membership which saves passengers more than £400 a year
Judge Orders Boeing to Trial on 737 MAX Case
Qantas’ free international Wi-Fi to switch on from next week
The real reason Southwest is charging for bags now
Air France-KLM in ongoing talks with Air Europa on potential stake, CEO says
Frontier Savagely Shades Southwest After They Eliminated Longstanding Free Bag Policy, Sparking Backlash
Frontier Wants You to 'Divorce Your Old Airline' After Southwest Changes
Delta named one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies for sustainability initiatives
Passengers escape fiery American Airlines jet in Denver
Delta, American Dive On Slashed Outlooks; But Two Airlines Rally
Competitors are circling Southwest after the airline announced it's going to start charging for checked bags
Exclusive: Dominican Low-Cost Carrier Arajet Wants to Disrupt NYC Market
Boeing deliveries rise 63% in February from a year earlier
Transportation Secretary Duffy Lays Out 10 Ways the FAA Is Working to Upgrade Air Traffic Control and Make Flying Safer
EasyJet pilot Paul Elsworth suspended after flying too close to mountain
Delta Air Lines bets on ‘blended-wing’ flight to reduce emissions
Europe's airlines pivot to bite size M&A deals to limit cost, regulatory burden
Dave Emerson named new CEO of Virgin Australia, replacing Jayne Hrdlicka
Ryanair DELAYS controversial new boarding pass rule to avoid summer chaos
FAA Orders Inspection, Replacement of 737NG Engine Parts
Spirit Adds New Airport, Three Routes
Delta crash passengers should take the $30,000 payment, their lawyers say. Here’s why.
Budget airline launches new cheap flights to one of the UK’s top winter sun destinations
Countries lacking multirole fighter jets: An overview
Policy
Webp 5r3vc2svdh8ibaxk8gr8iutw0za2
Simple Flying | Simple Flying

Mexico, New Zealand, Ireland, South Africa, and Argentina are notable countries whose air forces currently lack multirole fighter jets. This list excludes light or ground fighter jets such as the F-5 Northrop and Sukhoi Su-25 Frogfoot.

Mexico's air force primarily relies on 36 light combat aircraft, including three aging F-5Es and 33 PC-7 Turbo Trainers. The country's air force was founded in 1913 (or 1915) and has around 30,000 personnel. "Perhaps the most surprising country that doesn't operate fighter jets is Mexico," notes FlightGlobal. Despite its large size as a Spanish-speaking nation, Mexico's proximity to the United States might influence its limited investment in a robust combat air force.

New Zealand does not have any combat aircraft following the disbandment of its A-4 Skyhawk and Aermacchi MB-339-equipped squadrons in 2001. The Royal New Zealand Air Force was established in 1923 and consists of approximately 2,388 personnel. During WWII, New Zealand pilots played a significant role in the Battle of Britain. Plans to lease F-16 Fighting Falcons from the United States were canceled after an election promise by the incoming Labour Government.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

Ireland operates eight PC-8s but lacks other combat aircraft despite being a wealthy nation with a population comparable to Nordic countries with significant air forces. Founded in 1924, Ireland's Air Corps should have a strength of 886 personnel but only has 638 actively serving members.

South Africa owns two operational Saab Gripens out of an original fleet of 26 purchased multi-role JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets. The South African Air Force dates back to 1920 and employs around 13,000 personnel. In recent years, South Africa has signed a deal with Saab to restore many Gripens to serviceability.

Argentina maintains approximately 34 light combat aircraft but faces underinvestment issues since losing the Falklands War. The Argentine Air Force was founded in 1945 and employs about 14,000 personnel. It currently operates aging A-4 Skyhawks and IA-63 Pampas primarily used for training purposes. Argentina is expected to receive retired Danish F-16 Fighting Falcons to enhance its air force capabilities.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Emirates has announced a new partnership between its Skywards loyalty program and Emarat's EmCan program, allowing members to convert Skywards Miles into EmCoins and vice versa.

Apr 22, 2025

Viva Aerobus is enhancing its presence in the United States with new routes, including the launch of service between Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Felipe Ángeles International Airport, starting November 1.

Apr 22, 2025

Allegiant Air has launched a two-day sale offering up to 30% off select fares.

Apr 22, 2025

Airlines for America has expressed its support for the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) initiative to modernize the Notice to Air Missions system (NOTAM), emphasizing its significance in maintaining operational safety.

Apr 22, 2025

Airlines for America announced on X that it is promoting the 2025 joint ATA e-Business Forum & S1000D User Forum, scheduled for October 6–8 in Montreal, Canada.

Apr 21, 2025

Air India has announced on the social media platform X that it is promoting DigiYatra for contactless travel on domestic flights.

Apr 21, 2025