Where Does Turkey Rank Among the World’s Largest Air Forces?

The strength of armed forces, whether naval or air, instils a unique sense of pride within a nation and its people. A disciplined and powerful air force is a key indicator of a country’s military capability and influence on the international stage. For this reason, nations invest in their air forces to enhance their power and global reach.

So, which countries possess the largest air forces in the world, and how many military aircraft do they have in their inventories? According to Flight Global’s 2024 World Air Forces Report, the most powerful air forces have been ranked, with a few surprising names making the list.

However, the superiority of an air force is not determined solely by the number of military aircraft. Factors such as strategic planning, modernisation, and operational capability also play a crucial role. Here are the world’s most powerful air forces in 2024, along with their total number of military aircraft:

Browse

Riyadh Air Moves to Enter Indian Market

Etihad Airways 2024 Performance Report: Record Growth in Short- and Long-Haul Routes

1. United States
   The United States possesses the world’s largest air force, with a total of 13,209 military aircraft. As a leader in military aviation with advanced jets and defence systems, the US has allocated a defence budget of $217.5 billion for 2025.

2. Russia
   The Russian Air Force ranks second with 4,255 military aircraft. The country boasts some of the world’s most advanced jets, integrating modern aircraft such as the Sukhoi Su-57 and Su-35 into its operational fleet.

3. China
   With 3,304 military aircraft, China has one of the most powerful air forces in Asia. Strengthening its fleet with modern jets like the J-35A and Chengdu J-36, China is rapidly advancing its aviation technology.

4. India
   The Indian Air Force stands out with 2,296 active military aircraft. Incorporating modern jets such as the Dassault Rafale, MiG-21, and Su-30 into its fleet, India continues to expand its military capacity.

5. South Korea
   With 1,576 military aircraft, South Korea ranks among the strongest air forces. The country aims to modernise its F-15K fleet through a $6.2 billion defence agreement with the United States.

6. Japan
   Japan’s air force consists of 1,459 military aircraft, backed by cutting-edge defence systems. The Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) has added modern jets such as the F-35 Lightning II to enhance its air defence capabilities.

7. Pakistan
   The Pakistan Air Force operates 1,434 military aircraft. The country is also developing fifth-generation KAAN-class fighter jets in collaboration with Turkey.

8. Egypt
   With 1,069 military aircraft, Egypt is a key military power in the Middle East. It continues to strengthen its fleet with Rafale and F-16 jets.

9. Turkey
   Turkey also maintains a fleet of 1,069 military aircraft, standing out with its investments in aviation. The country has introduced the KAAN fifth-generation stealth fighter into its air force and has secured agreements with the United States for the modernisation of its F-16 fleet.

10. France
    France ranks among the world’s largest air forces with 972 military aircraft. It is modernising its air power by integrating Rafale jets into its fleet.

The world’s largest air forces distinguish themselves not only by fleet size but also through strategic planning and technological investment. Modernisation projects and international collaborations will continue to shape the future of global air power.

© AeroHaber.com / Mevlüt Zor

Aviation News and Defense Industry news published on our website cannot be used without proper attribution.