Here is a list of the top 25 most commonly used military aircraft

In the ever-evolving landscape of modern warfare, the significance of aircraft as key assets in military operations cannot be overstated. These machines, varying from agile combat fighters to robust tankers, are not just tools of war; they represent the tactical and strategic prowess of nations on a global stage. Understanding the importance of these assets, CEOWORLD magazine embarked on an insightful exploration into the world of military aviation, drawing from the comprehensive 2023 World Air Forces report by FlightGlobal. This investigation offers a window into the complexities and intricacies of modern air forces and their equipment.

The 2023 World Air Forces report serves as a pivotal source of information, offering a meticulous analysis of the military aircraft in service across an expansive spectrum of 163 countries. This extensive coverage is not just a mere enumeration of numbers; it provides a profound understanding of the types of aircraft that form the backbone of today’s air forces. The report, a treasure trove of data, covers a broad range of topics including operational aircraft types, pending orders, and detailed insights into the nations that prominently utilize these flying machines.

The ranking, based on the sheer number of units in active service, is a critical indicator of the preferences, strategies, and capabilities of air forces globally. It reveals which aircraft are the workhorses of the skies and which are poised to dominate the future of aerial combat. This ranking is not just a list; it’s a reflection of geopolitical strategies, defense spending, and technological advancements in military aviation.

The report delves into the diverse roles these aircraft play in military operations. Combat fighters, with their speed, agility, and firepower, are designed for frontline engagement and air superiority missions. They are the tip of the spear in offensive operations, capable of delivering precise strikes and engaging enemy aircraft in high-stakes dogfights. Tankers, on the other hand, are the unsung heroes of the skies, providing critical aerial refueling capabilities that extend the range and endurance of combat aircraft, thus enabling prolonged missions and far-reaching operations.

Additionally, the report sheds light on pending orders and future acquisitions, offering foresight into the evolving dynamics of air power. These insights reveal how nations are preparing for future conflicts, investing in next-generation technology, and adapting to the changing face of warfare. The focus on pending orders also underscores the economic and strategic considerations that influence military procurement decisions.

Furthermore, the report highlights the key nations that are leading the way in utilizing these aircraft. This aspect is particularly revealing, as it not only indicates the military capabilities of these countries but also their geopolitical ambitions and alliances. The utilization patterns of these nations offer a glimpse into their defense strategies, showcasing how they leverage air power to assert influence and secure their interests.

In summary, the 2023 World Air Forces report by FlightGlobal, as analyzed by CEOWORLD magazine, is an invaluable resource for understanding the current state and future trends of military aviation. The report’s comprehensive analysis of the types, numbers, and deployment of military aircraft across 163 countries provides critical insights into the strategic considerations and technological advancements shaping the world of air power. The findings of this report are essential for anyone seeking to grasp the complexities of modern military operations and the pivotal role of aircraft in shaping the outcomes of conflicts in the 21st century.

1. S-70 Black Hawk
   Currently operational helicopters: 3,909
   Helicopters in the pipeline: 806
   Category: Combat helicopter, training aircraft
   Prominent nations: United States, Saudi Arabia, Poland
2. F-16 Fighting Falcon
   Active fighter aircraft: 2,763
   Fighter aircraft awaiting delivery: 156
   Category: Combat aircraft, training aircraft
   Noteworthy countries: Bahrain, Belgium, Denmark, Egypt
3. Mil Mi-8 Hip
   Operational combat helicopters: 2,039
   Helicopters in the procurement phase: 17
   Category: Combat helicopter
   Countries of note: Algeria, Croatia, Cuba, Russia
4. AH-64 Apache
   In-service combat helicopters: 1,233
   Helicopters on order: 324
   Category: Combat helicopter
   Countries of significance: Greece, India, United States
5. C-130 Hercules
   Currently active aircraft: 1,133
   Aircraft with pending delivery: 119
   Category: Combat aircraft, special mission, tanker, transport
   Notable nations: United States, Austria, Israel
6. F/A-18 Hornet
   Operational fighter aircraft: 1,111
   Fighter aircraft in the procurement pipeline: 116
   Category: Combat aircraft, training aircraft
   Prominent nations: Canada, Spain, Switzerland, United States
7. Bell UH-1 Iroquois
   Currently operational helicopters: 1,105
   Helicopters awaiting delivery: 33
   Category: Combat helicopter, training aircraft
   Countries of significance: United States, Turkey, South Korea
8. F-15 Eagle
   In-service fighter aircraft: 1,066
   Fighter aircraft on order: 222
   Category: Combat aircraft, training aircraft
   Noteworthy nations: Indonesia, Israel, Japan, United States
9. T-6 Texan
   Operational aircraft: 980
   Aircraft awaiting delivery: 68
   Category: Combat aircraft, training aircraft
   Notable countries: Thailand, United States, Iraq
10. CH-47 Chinook
    Active helicopters: 925
    Helicopters on order: 202
    Category: Combat aircraft
    Countries of note: Australia, Germany, United States
11. Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker
    Currently operational aircraft: 964
    Aircraft in the procurement phase: 87
    Category: Combat aircraft, training aircraft
    Prominent nations: China, Kazakhstan, Russia
12. Mikoyan MiG-29
    In-service aircraft: 899
    Aircraft on order: 79
    Category: Combat aircraft, training aircraft
    Notable countries: Belarus, Bulgaria, Cuba, Egypt
13. Mil Mi-24 Hind
    Currently operational helicopters: 828
    Helicopters awaiting delivery: 33
    Category: Combat helicopter
    Noteworthy nations: Armenia, Russia, Ukraine
14. Mil Mi-17 Hip
    Active helicopters: 765
    Helicopters on order: 65
    Category: Combat helicopter
    Notable countries: Bangladesh, India, Venezuela
15. F-35 Lightning II
    In-service aircraft: 716
    Aircraft in the procurement pipeline: 2,758
    Category: Combat aircraft, training aircraft
    Prominent nations: Canada, Israel, United States
16. F-5 Tiger II
    Operational aircraft: 611
    No aircraft currently on order
    Category: Combat aircraft, training aircraft
    Notable countries: Brazil, Chile, South Korea, Switzerland
17. MD500 Defender
    Active helicopters: 588
    Helicopters awaiting delivery: 86
    Category: Combat helicopter
    Notable countries: Argentina, Colombia, North Korea
18. Aero L-39 Albatros
    In-service aircraft: 575
    Aircraft in the procurement phase: 36
    Category: Combat aircraft, training aircraft
    Notable countries: Libya, Mali, Russia
19. T-38 Talon
    Operational aircraft: 575
    No aircraft currently on order
    Category: Training aircraft
    Noteworthy nations: Turkey, United States
20. AH-1 Cobra
    Currently operational helicopters: 573
    Helicopters on order: 46
    Category: Combat helicopter, training aircraft
    Notable countries: Bahrain, Iran, Jordan, Pakistan
21. Eurocopter H145
    Active helicopters: 533
    Helicopters in the procurement phase: 88
    Category: Combat helicopter, training aircraft
    Notable countries: Albania, Germany, United States
22. Sukhoi Su-25 Frogfoot
    Currently operational aircraft: 489
    No aircraft currently on order
    Category: Combat aircraft, training aircraft
    Noteworthy nations: Armenia, Belarus, North Korea, Russia
23. Bell 206 JetRanger
    Active aircraft: 478
    Aircraft on order: 0
    Type: Combat helicopter, training aircraft
    Notable countries: Argentina, Germany, Iraq, Italy
24. Chengdu J-7 Fishcan
    Active aircraft: 452
    Aircraft on order: 0
    Type: Combat aircraft, training aircraft
    Notable countries: China
25. NH90 Caiman
    Active aircraft: 446
    Aircraft on order: 147
    Type: Combat helicopter
    Notable countries: Australia, France, Netherlands

Have you read?
The 21st Century’s Biggest Financial Frauds and Controversies.
The World’s Most Valuable Unicorns, 2023.
The World’s Top 10 Highest-Paid Wealth Management Executives.
Highest paid chief executive officers in the United States in 2022.
Highly-Paid Entertainment Chief Executives.
Highest paid health insurance CEOs.

This report/news/ranking/statistics has been prepared only for general guidance on matters of interest and does not constitute professional advice. You should not act upon the information contained in this publication without obtaining specific professional advice. No representation or warranty (express or implied) is given as to the accuracy or completeness of the information contained in this publication, and, to the extent permitted by law, CEOWORLD magazine does not accept or assume any liability, responsibility or duty of care for any consequences of you or anyone else acting, or refraining to act, in reliance on the information contained in this publication or for any decision based on it.

Email Address*

Name