The U.S. leads world military aviation.
U.S leads with 14,486 aircrafts across multiple branches.
The U.S leads in fighter, helicopter and transport fleets.
While China leads in active bomber fleets.
As of 2025, the United States has the world’s largest Air forces, with a combined total of 14,486 military aircraft, spread across four service branches, which includes the United States Air Force (USAF), Navy (USN), Army (USA) and Marine Corps (USMC). The second and third places are held by Air forces in Russia and China, including the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS) and the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF).
Different fleets
Fighter Aircrafts
The United States dominates in the number of fighter aircraft, including a significant portion of fifth-generation stealth jets such as the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II.
Fighter Fleet Ranking:
- USA – 2,600+ fifth and fourth-gen fighters
- Russia – Approx. 1,200
- China – Approx. 1,100
- India – Over 600
- Japan – Around 300
Strategic Bomber Fleets
Only three nations, the United States, China, and Russia, maintain active bomber fleets. The US, with 140 bombers, including 19 stealth B-2 Spirits and B-52 Stratofortress, holds a technological edge. Russia, with 120 bombers like the Tu-95 Bear and Tu-160 Blackjack, faces challenges in maintaining its aging fleet amid ongoing conflicts.
- China – 209 Bombers
- USA – 140 Bombers
- Russia – 120 Bombers
Helicopter Strength
The US Army operates the largest helicopter force globally, including AH-64 Apache attack helicopters and UH-60 Blackhawks. Its fleet supports rapid deployment, logistics, and combat operations across multiple fronts.
Helicopter Fleet Ranking:
- USA – 5,509 Helicopter Fleet
- Russia – 1,551 Helicopter Fleet
- India – 498 Helicopter Fleet
- Japan – 72 Helicopter Fleet
- China – 68 Helicopter Fleet
Transport Aircraft
The US owns the world’s most capable airlift fleet, highlighted by heavy transport aircraft like the C-5 Galaxy, C-17 Globemaster III, and C-130 Hercules. The USAF’s nearly 700 transport aircraft enable unmatched global logistical reach.
Transport Fleet Ranking:
- USA – 1,020
- Russia – 462
- India – 282
- China – 270
- Japan – 44
