Quantcast

U.S. maintains lead in global air power with largest military aircraft fleet

European air traffic warning means summer delays for holidaymakers
The EU rule change that could affect millions of Brits when their flight is delayed or cancelled
Delta Earnings Land Soon. Why They’re Key for Airline Stocks and the Economy.
Avelo Airlines to Operate Deportation Flights, Hiring Flight Attendants
Travel chaos 2025: all the strikes and disruption expected across Europe
Qatar Airways accelerates Starlink wifi implementation
United receives FAA approval for first Starlink-equipped planes
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
U.S. maintains lead in global air power with largest military aircraft fleet
Policy
Webp ah 64
AH-64 Apache | Wikipedia

The number of military aircraft in air forces worldwide is constantly changing. While some nations, like China's People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF), have been expanding, others such as the United States and Russia are seeing reductions. Despite these shifts, the United States remains the leader in air power according to data from World Population Review.

"America has more military aircraft between the US Air Force, Navy, Marines, and Army than the next nine members of the top ten combined," highlighting its overwhelming advantage over other nations. The US Armed Forces' closest competitor is Russia, but the qualitative and quantitative gap remains significant.

The United States Air Force alone operates 5,004 military aircraft of all types. The US Army Aviation follows with 4,333 helicopters, making it the second-largest air force globally. The US Navy ranks fourth with a total of 2,504 aircraft, while the US Marines rank seventh internationally with 1,211 tactical helicopters and jets.

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.

Globally ranked by fleet count:

1. USA - 14,486

2. Russia - 4,211

3. China - 3,304

4. India - 2,296

5. Japan - 1,459

In terms of fighter jets specifically:

"The United States has far more airworthy fighters than any other force on the planet." This includes a substantial number of fifth-generation aircraft compared to other countries.

For strategic strike capabilities involving bombers:

China leads with a bomber count of 209 while "the tiny fleet of 19 Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit is one of the most precious and important strategic assets in the entire US military."

Regarding helicopter fleets:

"When it comes to helo-power," the US Army dominates with over 4,000 helicopters including Boeing AH-64 Apaches.

For cargo planes:

"This is another area where the USAF is a juggernaut," owning almost 700 fixed-wing cargo planes including Lockheed C-5 Galaxies capable of transporting heavy tanks globally.

Overall rankings highlight that despite various advancements by other countries in specific areas or technologies such as stealth or tiltrotor aircrafts—the United States maintains superiority across multiple dimensions within its air force capabilities.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Lufthansa and Fraport AG have entered into an agreement to enhance aircraft handling at Frankfurt Airport.

Jul 30, 2025

Federal Express Corporation has announced the winners of the 2025 FedEx/Junior Achievement International Trade Challenge (FedEx/JA ITC) Hong Kong Finals.

Jul 30, 2025

American Airlines has introduced a new option for its passengers, allowing them to use AAdvantage miles for inflight purchases across all flights.

Jul 30, 2025

The Boeing 767 has been a significant presence in aviation for over four decades, serving as a reliable widebody aircraft for airlines like Delta Air Lines and United Airlines.

Jul 30, 2025

The Boeing 747, often referred to as the 'Queen of the Skies', has been a significant part of luxury air travel for many years.

Jul 30, 2025

Airlines in the United States have received an extension for installing secondary cockpit barriers on new commercial aircraft.

Jul 30, 2025