Top 10 Countries With Most Aircrafts In 2025: India Ranks In Top Five, Know Where Pakistan Stands

Top 10 Countries By Aircraft Fleet Strength: The strength of a country’s air force plays a major role in defining its military power on the global stage. Aircraft are not just used in wars, but it is also used in rescue missions, patrolling borders and natural or man-made disaster management. The air fleet of a country consists of fighter jets, helicopters, transport planes, and drones. The more advanced and well-equipped the air force is, the stronger a country becomes in terms of security and defence.

According to the latest global data by "Global Firepower Index", the United States continues to lead the world with the highest number of aircraft and has the most powerful air force in the world. Following it, Russia and China are in second and third place in terms of aircraft fleet strength. Interestingly, India ranks in the top five, holding fourth position, showcasing its growing military strength in the world. On the other hand, Pakistan also features in the top 10 list, holding a significant position with a powerful air fleet of its own. Let’s read below about the number of aircraft India and Pakistan have and how strong their air force system are. 

List Of Top 10 Countries by Aircraft Fleet Strength In 2025

This list highlights the top 10 countries with the most aircraft in 2025 and gives a clear picture of their air power, aircraft numbers, and why these countries dominate the skies.

Source: Global Firepower Index

Here’s a list of the Top 10 Countries with the Most Aircraft in 2025. This includes fighter jets, helicopters, transport planes and other military aircraft. These numbers show each country’s air power and global military strength.

1. United States – 13,043 Aircraft

The United States has the world's largest and strongest Air Force. It boasts over 13,000 aircraft, advanced fighter jets like the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II and more. Its global presence, powerful drones and heavy transport planes make it unmatched in air warfare.

2. Russia – 4,292 Aircraft

Russia has one of the most experienced air forces in the world. Its air fleet of greater than 4,000 aircraft includes the Su-57, Su-35, and Mig-31 jets. Russian air force operations universally support a massive defence system and play an integral role in the military strategies of the state, especially in Eastern Europe and Asia, where air power is critical.

3. China – 3,309 Aircraft

China is rapidly expanding its air power. The Chinese air force has more than 3,300 aircraft, including the relatively modern J-20 stealth fighter and other home-built jets, is becoming a leading global air power. China is investing in drone warfare, air power, and air defence technologies to counter US influence and capabilities, as air power influence and capabilities change in tomorrow's world.

4. India – 2,229 Aircraft

India is fourth fourth-largest air power in the world and the largest in South Asia. The Indian Air Force has over 2,200 aircraft. This includes Rafale jets, Sukhoi Su-30MKIs and indigenous Tejas fighters. India's air power is vital for the defence against China and Pakistan, as India continuously modernises its fleet.

5. South Korea – 1,592 Aircraft

South Korea has developed a significant air force structure to defend against North Korea and stands as the 5th powerful air force in the world. South Korea has nearly 1,600 aircraft that including F-15K, KF-16 and upcoming KF-21 Boramae jets, making the South Korean air force one of the most modern and equipped forces in Asia.

6. Japan – 1,443 Aircraft

Japan’s air force is highly advanced and has more than 1,400 total aircraft. It utilises F-15j and F-35 airframes and surveillance aircraft to help protect its territory. Japan has rapid response air defence systems and has very close ties with the U.S. military as a result of various strategic alliances among nations.

7. Pakistan – 1,399 Aircraft

Pakistan is ranked 7th in air force power by Global Firepower Index and is close with approximately 1,400 aircraft. It also has the JF-17 Thunder aircraft, built in China, F-16s (built in the U.S.) and Mirage aircraft. Pakistan's air force focuses on speed, strike power and rapid response near its borders, particularly with India.

8. Egypt – 1,093 Aircraft

Egypt possesses the largest air force in Africa. It has over 1,000 aircraft and uses a variety of American F-16s, French Rafales, and Russian MiGs. The range of its airpower is primarily for defensive purposes, countering terrorism and regional influence in the Middle East and North Africa.

9. Turkey – 1,083 Aircraft

The Islamic country of Turkey also has a major and modern air force. It has over 1,000 aircraft, with F-16s and home-grown drones (e.g., Bayraktar TB2) accounting for most of the force structure. Turkey has demonstrated its airpower capabilities in Syria and Libya, and has stated it is focused on developing its fighter jets for the not-too-distant future.

10. France – 976 Aircraft

The air force of France is one of the strongest in Europe and ranks in 10th place. With nearly a thousand aircraft, France has Rafale fighters, transport and strategic bombers. The air force of France has a strong role within NATO and has a strong presence in Africa and the Middle East.

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