US military maintains exclusive operation over several advanced aircraft

The F-117 Nighthawk, though designated a fighter, is more akin to a bomber and remains in reserve status with no official active role beyond training and evaluation.

While other fighters like the F-16 have international operators, including Israel and Japan with their use of the F-15 Eagle series, certain bombers such as B-52 Superfortress, B-1 Lancers, and B-2 Spirit remain exclusive to U.S. operations. The upcoming B-21 Raider is expected to join this list by 2027.

In terms of attack aircraft, "the United States has two main types...the AC-130J Ghostrider and A-10 Thunderbolt 'Warthog,'" both operated solely by the U.S., although Congress has requested a report on potential exports to Jordan.

Among transport aircraft, only "the C-5M Galaxy" is flown exclusively by the United States within large Western-made transports.

Several spy planes also remain unique to U.S. operations; notably, "the U-2 Dragon Lady," which continues service despite past use by Taiwan from 1959 to 1974 under CIA missions.

Helicopters like Sikorsky CH-53E Super Stallion are now solely operated by the U.S., following Japan's retirement of their fleet in 2017.

Despite global trends where countries rely on export markets for advanced military aircraft development due to cost-sharing needs—such as seen with Russia's Su-57 Felon—the United States (alongside China) can develop programs independently without immediate concern for external sales markets.