When discussing air power, a key metric is the size of a country’s fighter jet fleet. Below are ten nations that lead globally in this category, based on the latest open‐source estimates. Some numbers vary depending on how “fighter jet” is defined, but the following gives a strong picture.
1. United States
The United States maintains by far the largest fleet of fighter aircraft in the world, with figures in recent reports often cited as around 1,850 jets.
The U.S. Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps operate a diverse array of advanced fighters, including fifth‐generation types like the F‑35 Lightning II and stealth fighters like the F‑22 Raptor.
The country’s air power is further enhanced by its global basing, extensive training infrastructure, and a large defense budget that enables constant modernization.
2. China
China is second in terms of sheer number of fighter jets, with estimates around 1,200 to 1,210 aircraft.
Over recent decades China has invested heavily in domestic development and production of fighters, such as the Chengdu J‑20 and other indigenous designs, while also expanding its fleet size.
The combination of quantity and increasingly capable native aircraft is boosting China’s capacity for both regional deterrence and power projection.
3. Russia
Russia holds third place among the top countries, with approximately 800 to 830 fighter jets. Many of Russia’s fighters are legacy types from Soviet era designs (MiGs, Sukhois) supplemented by newer models like the Su‑57.
Russian doctrine emphasizes speed, long range, and missile capability. The country also benefits from a large defense industrial base producing both fighters and the systems that support them.
4. India
India ranks number four in most lists, with estimates between about 500 and 610 fighter aircrafts ready to fly.
India’s fighter fleet is quite mixed in terms of origin: Russian origin types like the Su‑30 MKI, French Rafales, and more recently domestically built aircraft such as the HAL Tejas.
India’s geographic position, varied threats, and large land area shape its requirement for both air superiority fighters and multirole aircraft.
5. North Korea
North Korea, the hermit state appears in fifth place, with estimates putting its fighter fleet at roughly 440 jets.
Although many of these aircraft are older and maintained under challenging constraints, they still provide North Korea with a substantial deterrent and defensive capability, especially relative to its regional context.
6. Pakistan
Pakistan is often ranked sixth, with around 380 to 390 fighter jets. The Pakistan Air Force operates a mix of Pakistani, Chinese, and Western aircraft. Its fleet includes aircraft like the JF‑17 (developed jointly with China) as well as older U.S.‑made fighters.
Pakistan’s strategic priorities, border tensions, and need for quick response capabilities shape how it maintains and deploys its fleet.
7. South Korea
South Korea typically comes in seventh, with estimates of about 350 to 400 fighter jets. The Republic of Korea Air Force fields modern multi‑role aircraft and places emphasis on readiness and defenses, including against threats from North Korea.
South Korea also invests in modernizing its fleet, upgrading avionics, radar systems, and integrating with allied defense systems.
8. Taiwan
Taiwan appears among the top ten with approximately 280 to 290 fighter jets. Given Taiwan’s strategic vulnerabilities, especially its proximity to mainland China and the associated military pressures, its air force is heavily focused on defensive operations.
Taiwan constantly maintaining modern fighters like upgraded F‑16s and investing in readiness and early warning systems.
9. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is another Middle Eastern country that ranks high, with about 280 to 290 fighter jets.
The Saudi Royal Air Force possesses many advanced Western aircraft, and its strategic concerns (regional rivalries, protecting its airspace, projecting power) influence its fleet composition and procurement.
Maintenance, pilot training, and support infrastructure are key to sustaining those important assets.
10. Israel
Israel rounds out many top‑ten lists with around 240 fighter aircraft. Israel’s air force emphasizes technological edge, highly advanced avionics, electronic warfare, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and well‑trained pilots.
Even though its overall fleet size is smaller compared to superpowers, its qualitative edge and readiness are often considered among the world’s best.
