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Countries With Most Fighter Jets:  To understand the world's military aviation capabilities, it is important to know about the quantity of fighter aircraft a nation possesses. All of which is a direct reflection of its defence capabilities and strategic power in the global landscape. Fighter aircraft are the core of any modern air defence system, providing speed, manoeuvrability, and potent offence. To learn more, here’s a top ten nations by fighter jets, as per the Global Firepower, along with India’s ranking on the list.

List Of Top 10 Countries With the Most Fighter Jets In The World:

Rank Country Value
1 United States 1,790
2 China 1,212
3 Russia 833
4 India 513
5 North Korea 368
6 Pakistan 328
7 South Korea 315
8 Taiwan 285
9 Saudi Arabia 283
10 Israel 240

Which Country Has The Most Fighter Jets In The World?

1. United States – 1,790 Fighter Jets

The United States has the most fighter jets in the world. Additionally, the US is the largest and most technologically oriented fleet of fighter aircraft. The United States Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps operate advanced fighters like the F-22 Raptor, F-35 Lightning II, and F-15 Eagle. America’s domination in air power is because of continuous investment in stealth capabilities, pilot training, and global operating reach.

2. China – 1,212 Fighter Jets

China's military air force has undergone rapid growth, incorporating modern technology, over the past few years. With more than 1,200 fighter aircraft, the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) prioritises increasing quantity and quality, operating advanced home-developed fighters like the Chengdu J-20 and Shenyang J-16.

3. Russia – 833 Fighter Jets

Russia has one of the world's biggest air forces with a combination of iconic planes like the Su-27, Su-35, and MiG-29 and brand new fifth-generation fighters like the Su-57. The Russian Air Force focuses on speed, agility, and heavy firepower, which is raising its military power in Eurasia and backing its international defence industry.

4. India – 513 Fighter Jets

India's air capability is underpinned by a varied fleet of Russian, French, and domestic fighter planes, including the Su-30MKI, Rafale, and Tejas. The Indian Air Force is making continuous efforts to modernise its fleet, due to regional threats and to bring air defence superiority in the subcontinent.

5. North Korea – 368 Fighter Jets

North Korea is also on the list with its timeless aircraft, which are generally old Soviet-era planes. Its priorities are mainly about defending its airspace and extending its power regionally. However, the nation is not keeping up with modern capabilities.

6. Pakistan – 328 Fighter Jets

Pakistan's air force is all about U.S., Chinese, and locally-manufactured aircraft, like the JF-17 Thunder and F-16 Fighting Falcon. Affordability and multi-role fighter platforms are what Pakistan focuses on in order to stand against regional conflicts with India.

Also Read: List Of 10 Best Air Defence Systems In The World: From S-400 To Barak 8 With Range And Features

7. South Korea – 315 Fighter Jets

South Korea operates a technologically advanced fleet, including planes like the F-15K and F-35A, because of its strong alliance with the United States. The Republic of Korea Air Force is currently focusing on tackling North Korean threats and extending its influence in Northeast Asia.

8. Taiwan – 285 Fighter Jets

Taiwan has a strong focus on air defence, given tensions with China. Its air force consists of Indigenous Defence Fighters and U.S.-manufactured F-16s with ongoing improvements for sustaining deterrent capacities.

9. Saudi Arabia – 283 Fighter Jets

The Saudi Arabian air force is built around advanced Western fighters like the F-15SA and Eurofighter Typhoon. Strategic purchases are made with the goal of keeping the Middle East's military powers ahead.

10. Israel – 240 Fighter Jets

Israel is famous for its modern air force, featuring F-35I Adirs and F-16s. The fleet is known for frequent modernisation and proven defence effectiveness, which is important for national security amid regional conflicts.

Also Read: India’s S-400 vs Pakistan’s HQ-9: Which Air Defence System Is Superior?

The United States is at number one, closely followed by China and Russia, all of which highlight the significant correlation between air defence capability and global power. These rankings can shift as strategic military alliances change and defence technologies become more modernised, but one thing is stagnant, and that is air dominance will be a cornerstone of worldwide military power.