The United States Air Force (USAF) remains the largest air force globally, but its fleet of crewed aircraft has been declining for decades. As the USAF prepares for future challenges, its total number of aircraft is projected to dip below 5,000 for the first time since World War II. This development highlights a complex landscape in military aviation, where the United States aims to bolster its capabilities through advanced technologies like Collaborative Combat Aircraft and uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs).
Understanding the Size and Scope of US Military Aviation
The USAF boasts approximately 3,600 crewed aircraft when excluding trainers and UAVs. However, including these additional categories raises the total to around 5,000. This vast fleet not only leads in numbers but also excels in capability. The USAF operates a significant portion of the world’s special mission aircraft and around 75% of all tanker aircraft, which are crucial for sustaining long-range operations.
In comparison, the aviation branches of the US Navy, Marine Corps, and Army also contribute to the United States’ military aviation might. The Army Aviation is estimated to have between 3,500 and 4,000 crewed aircraft, with that number increasing to 4,600 when including UAVs. The Navy and Marine Corps collectively operate approximately 2,900 crewed aircraft, which expands to around 3,700 when trainers and UAVs are counted.
Together, these branches form a formidable aviation force, with a combined total of approximately 10,300 crewed non-trainer aircraft, or 13,300 when including trainers and high-end UAVs. This gives the US military aviation an operational capacity that is about three times that of its nearest global competitor.
Declines and Developments in Global Air Forces
While the USAF leads the world, the Russian military aviation ranks second in numbers but faces significant challenges. Russia’s fleet is aging, and production rates are low. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has compounded these issues, with combat losses making it difficult to assess the true operational status of its aircraft. Estimates suggest that Russia has around 3,500 crewed aircraft, but many of these may not be operational due to age and damage.
On the other hand, China’s military aviation is rapidly advancing. According to estimates from the US Department of Defense, the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) and PLAN Aviation have over 3,150 aircraft, with around 2,400 classified as combat aircraft. The PLAAF is in the process of modernizing its fleet, introducing the fifth-generation J-20 fighter jet and expanding its aircraft carrier capabilities with the recent commissioning of the Type 003 Fujian.
The production of frontline fighter jets remains a critical focus. In 2025, an estimated 550 fighter jets were delivered globally, with the majority coming from the US and China. The US delivered approximately 234 jets, including a record 191 F-35 Lightning IIs, while China’s deliveries are estimated to be between 220 and 290.
The dynamics of military aviation are shifting as countries adapt to modern warfare. The USAF’s transition to more capable but fewer aircraft highlights a broader trend across global air forces. Advanced aircraft like the F-35 require fewer numbers to achieve the same operational effectiveness compared to older models. In response, the USAF is turning to new technologies, including Collaborative Combat Aircraft, to maintain its edge.
As the landscape of military aviation continues to evolve, the United States Air Force remains the world’s largest air force by capability, even as it grapples with a declining number of crewed aircraft. The challenges and innovations within global air forces will shape future military strategies and operations.
