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Defence

Which Country Has the Largest Fleet of Fighter Aircraft?

Fighter planes are crucial for a country’s defense and military strength. They are designed to engage in aerial combat and protect national airspace. Different nations invest heavily in their air forces, leading to varying numbers of fighter jets.

Among them, the United States stands out as the country with the most fighter planes, boasting a diverse fleet equipped with advanced technology. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the fighter jet inventories of different countries, highlighting the significance of air power in modern warfare.

1. United States

The United States Air Force (USAF) ranks first in the world for the largest air force, boasting a total of 13,209 aircraft. Among these, approximately 1,854 are fighter jets, including iconic models like the F-22 Raptor and the F-35 Lightning II. These advanced fighters are essential for air dominance and ground support. The USAF’s fleet also includes various attack aircraft, logistical support planes, and helicopters, making it a cornerstone of American military power.

2. Russia

Holding the second position globally, Russia boasts a formidable fleet of 4,255 aircraft, which includes 809 fighter jets and 730 attack planes. The Russian Air Force operates a diverse range of fighters, such as the Su-57 and MiG-29. These jets are designed for air superiority and ground attack missions, reflecting Russia’s commitment to maintaining a formidable aerial presence.

3. China

In the race for air superiority, China comes in second with 3,304 aircraft. Among these, 1,207 are fighters and bombers.The People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) operates advanced models like the Chengdu J-20 and Shenyang J-11, which are crucial for securing Chinese airspace and engaging in regional conflicts.

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4. India

India ranks fourth with an impressive total of 2,296 aircraft, including around 606 fighter jets.The Indian Air Force (IAF) operates a mix of indigenous and imported fighters, such as the Sukhoi Su-30MKI and the Mirage 2000. The IAF plays a vital role in protecting India’s borders and maintaining regional stability.

5. SOUTH Korea

South Korea comes in 5th place with a total of 905 aircraft, including approximately 400 fighter jets. The Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) uses advanced models like the F-15K and KF-21 Boramae, enhancing its ability to counter threats from North Korea and maintain air superiority.

6.North Korea ranks sixth, with a total of 947 aircraft, of which around 400 are fighter jets. The Korean People’s Army Air Force primarily operates older models, such as the MiG-15 and MiG-21, which are used for defense and limited offensive capabilities.

7. Pakistan

Pakistan ranks seventh with 820 aircraft, including around 300 fighter jets. The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) operates a mix of fighters, such as the JF-17 Thunder and F-16, which are crucial for national defense and regional security.

8.Egypt: Egypt’s Air Force ranks eighth globally with a fleet of 1,080 aircraft. The Egyptian Air Force (EAF) operates a diverse array of multirole fighters, including the F-16 and Rafale, supported by a robust helicopter fleet. EAF’s ongoing modernization efforts highlight its focus on maintaining regional stability and strengthening its strategic capabilities.
9. Japan

Japan holds the ninth position with the fleet of 1,459 aircraft, underscoring Japan’s focus on air defense and regional security. The Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) operates advanced fighters like the F-35 and Mitsubishi F-2, focusing on air defense and humanitarian missions.

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10. Saudi Arabia

Finally, Saudi Arabia ranks tenth with 690 aircraft, including around 300 fighter jets. The Royal Saudi Air Force operates a fleet that includes advanced models like the Eurofighter Typhoon and F-15, playing a significant role in regional security and operations.

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Defence

Russia Seeks Talks with India, Offers Tu-160 Bombers at Unbeatable Prices

Russia Seeks Talks with India, Offers Tu-160 Bombers at Unbeatable Prices

Russia is keen to deepen its defense ties with India by offering advanced strategic bombers that could significantly enhance India’s aerial capabilities. Recently, Russia has also agreed to supply critical metallurgical inputs to support the overhaul and modernization of India’s Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jet fleet.

According to the report, Russia has once again extended an offer to India for its strategic heavy bombers, including the Tu-22M3 and the modernized Tu-160, also known as the “White Swan.” The Tu-22M3 was previously proposed to the Indian Navy nearly two decades ago, but the deal did not materialize due to high leasing and modernization costs.

Now, Russia’s new offer includes the Tu-160M, a modernized variant of the original Tu-160, which could significantly enhance India’s long-range strike capabilities.

The Tu-160M, also known as the “White Swan,” is a heavyweight strategic bomber with an impressive range of 12,000 km without refueling. Developed by the Tupolev Design Bureau during the 1970s in the Soviet Union, it remains the world’s largest and heaviest combat aircraft, capable of supersonic speeds.

Its unique variable-sweep wings allow it to adapt to various speeds and missions, making it the fastest bomber in active service. The Tu-160M is equipped with advanced NK-32-02 engines, known for their reduced maintenance requirements, superior performance, and long operational life.It priced at 15 billion roubles ($163 million) each.

India has traditionally focused on multirole fighter jets rather than heavy bombers, and currently, it does not have a single strategic bomber in its fleet. The inclusion of the Tu-160M could give the Indian Air Force the capability to conduct powerful deterrence missions and long-range strikes across the Indo-Pacific and beyond.

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If the Tu-160M deal is realized, it could mark a significant enhancement in India’s strategic air power and strengthen defense ties between India and Russia, fostering a deeper partnership in the realm of advanced military technology.

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