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The debate over which nation produces the best fighter jets is ongoing, with opinions divided between American, Chinese, and Russian aircraft. However, the United States stands out as having the largest number of fighter jets globally. The combined forces of the US Air Force, Navy, Marines, and Army hold a significant lead in both quality and quantity over other nations.
According to World Population Review's 2025 update, the US maintains its position as a leader in air power since the fall of the Soviet Union. While some countries like China have been expanding their air forces, others such as Russia and even the US have seen reductions. Despite these changes, America's fleet size remains unmatched.
The US not only leads in numbers but also in advanced fifth-generation aircraft. For instance, while there are uncertainties about how many Su-57 Felons Russia has produced—estimated between five to twelve mission-capable units—the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) reportedly possesses around 200 J-20 Mighty Dragons.
