World's largest air forces, India ranks at..., country at number 6 will shock you, name is...
Largest Air Forces 2025: The recent India-Pakistan military confrontation, the Russia-Ukraine war, and the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East have proven that aerial superiority will decide the outcome of any and all future wars across the globe, and even a smaller nation, such as Israel, can keep a host of enemy countries at bay, primarily due to its superior air force.
On that note, let us a take a look at the top 10 largest air forces in the world today, according to rankings based on data compiled through 2024 and released in 2025 by World Population Review. Countries are ranked based on their number of military aircraft which are currently in service: United States (United States Air Force): Unsurprisingly, the United States Air Force (USAF) is the world's largest air force, boasting a fleet of 14,000 warplanes, coupled with some of the most cutting-edge technology in avionics, weaponry, stealth, and radar tech. This number includes aircraft in fleets of all branches of the US Armed Forces, including the Air Force, Navy, Marines, and the US Army. Russia: The Russian Air Force (RAF) stands a distant second in the list of largest air forces, with a fleet estimated at around 4,292 military planes, which includes a combination of lethal bombers such as the Tupolev Tu-160 'White Swan', as well as advanced fighter jets like the Su-35, and the 5th-gen Sukhoi Su-57. China: The People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) aka the Chinese Air Force, ranks third with a fleet of 3,304 military planes, including the 5th-generation J-20 and J-35 stealth fighter jet, and a recently unveiled 6th-gen fighter jet (the world's first), unofficially dubbed the J-36. India: The India Air Force (IAF) is one of the most formidable air forces on the planet, boasting the world's fourth-largest military aircraft fleet which current stands at 2,296 fighters, including 4.5-gen French Rafale fighters which decimated Pakistan in the recent conflict. Japan: The Japanese air force, officially known as the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF), is one of the well-equipped globally, boasting a fleet of US-made 5th-generation fighter jets such as the F-35 Lightning II, and the F-15J– an upgraded version of the F-35 specifically designed for Japan. The JASDF has a fleet of 1,459 military planes, according to latest estimates. Pakistan: Despite its failing economy, Pakistan has managed to remain a formidable military force in South Asia, periodically making enhancements to its Armed forces, especially the Pakistan Air Force. At present, the PAF has a fleet of 1,434 fighter planes, which include a mix of US-made F-16s, Chinese JF-17 Thunder and J10C fighters, and French Mirage jets. South Korea: Owing to its strategic alliance with the US, South Korea has built a formidable air force to counter regional threats, especially from its nuclear-armed North Korean cousins. The South Korean Air Force, officially called the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF), boasts a fleet of 1,171 fighter jets, including US-made F-35A Lightning II, KF-16 fighters, and indigenous KAI T-50 trainers. Egypt: Egypt maintains one of the largest air forces in the Middle East, with the Egyptian Air Force currently having an operational fleet of 1,093 fighter planes, which includes a unique mix of US F16s, French Rafales, and Russian MiGs. Turkey: A key NATO ally that has emerged as a global force in defense manufacturing, especially advanced military drones, also boasts a formidable air force, which is one of the largest in West Asia. The Turkish Air Force has a fleet of 1,069 fighter jets, including F-16 Fighting Falcons, but its primary strength remains unmanned aerial systems such as the globally-recognized Bayraktar military drones. France: A key defence manufacturer in the European Union (EU) and NATO, France maintains a formidable air force that is backed by an advanced fleet of indigenously built Rafale fighter jets, and bleeding-edge military technology capable of dusting an even larger military force. The French Air and Space Force (FASF) currently has fleet of 972 advanced fighter jets, along with transport and reconnaissance aircraft.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India Today
3 minutes ago
- India Today
Trump tariffs spark 'worst crisis' in US-India ties, says Michael Kugelman
US President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed an executive order imposing an additional 25 percent tariff on Indian imports, sparking a wave of concern about the future of US-India ties. He also threatened to impose 'secondary sanctions' on New Delhi over its continued purchase of oil from Kugelman, Director of the South Asia Institute at the Wilson Centre, called it "the worst crisis" in two decades of the strategic partnership between the two think this is the worst crisis that the relationship has faced over the last two decades of strategic partnership," Kugelman told news agency ANI, warning that the penalties could have a "damaging impact" on the broader US-India relationship. The White House announcement marks an escalation in tensions, especially as India has remained firm on continuing energy imports from Moscow despite US pressure. The Trump administration has increasingly tied economic penalties to foreign policy grievances -- and India appears to be next in line."Unfortunately, given just how the relationship has been developing in recent days, this new announcement is not all that surprising," Kugelman said."Despite the damaging impact this could have... it's not that much of a surprise to me that in the end the President decided to follow through on his threat," he this could be seen as a low point in bilateral ties, Kugelman believes the relationship is not beyond saving."This is a relationship that is multifaceted and has many different areas of cooperation that play out on parallel tracks," he said. "It has the insulation to withstand shocks to the broader relationship."When asked why President Trump has chosen to punish India and not China, despite similar economic ties with Russia, Kugelman offered a blunt assessment."China has not stood out there and refused to let President Trump take credit for his role in the ceasefire... These are things that happened with India. So I think that's why perhaps President Trump would reserve some of his greatest ire on the trade and tariff front for India... Indeed, it's a double standard. It's hypocritical, whatever you want to say."TRUMP SAYS CHINA COULD FACE INDIA-STYLE TARIFFSPresident Donald Trump also hinted at imposing further tariffs on China, similar to the 25 per cent duties recently applied to India over its Russian oil purchases."Could happen," Trump told reporters when asked about additional sanctions on China. He added that more secondary sanctions are expected to increase pressure on Russia to end the conflict in Ukraine.- EndsWith inputs for agencies Tune InMust Watch
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
3 minutes ago
- First Post
Trump announces 100% tariff on computer chips and semiconductors, exempts firms 'building in US'
Trump has announced a 100 per cent tariff on imported computer chips and semiconductors, aiming to push companies to manufacture them within the country. The move which exempts US-based producers. read more Trump has taken an extraordinary bet on the importance of American market in global economy and believes that he has a leverage so unique that he can do almost anything. Image: AFP US President Donald Trump on Wednesday (August 6, local time) announced plans to impose a 100 per cent tariff on computer chips and semiconductors, while exempting companies that manufacture them within the United States. The move is expected to drive up the cost of a wide range of electronics, cars, appliances, and other essential tech-driven products. 'We'll be putting a tariff on of approximately 100 per cent on chips and semiconductors,' Trump said while speaking at the Oval Office. 'But if you're building in the United States of America, there's no charge.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The announcement follows Trump's decision to impose an additional 25 per cent tariff on Indian goods over its continued oil trade with Russia, effectively doubling the overall tariff rate to 50 per cent. The new tariffs are scheduled to take effect in 21 days, allowing time for India and Russia to negotiate with the US administration over the proposed import duties. The global chip shortage during the Covid-19 pandemic had already led to rising car prices and contributed to broader inflation. Since then, demand for semiconductors has continued to surge, with global sales rising 19.6 per cent in the 12 months ending June, according to the World Semiconductor Trade Statistics organization. Trump's latest tariff move marks a sharp departure from current strategies aimed at boosting domestic chip production through subsidies and incentives. Instead, he's opting for a more aggressive approach, using tariffs as leverage to push companies to manufacture within the US. By making imported chips more expensive, Trump is betting that firms will be compelled to shift production domestically, even if it risks squeezing profits and raising consumer prices on products like smartphones, televisions, and appliances.
Time of India
17 minutes ago
- Time of India
'It's only been 8 hours': Donald Trump threatens to impose 'secondary sanctions' on India; hints at possible ban on China
Hours after the US President slapped an additional 25 per cent on India, bringing the total to 50 percent, Donald Trump on Wednesday threatened to impose secondary sanctions. During a press interaction, US President Donald Trump was questioned about why India was being singled out for purchasing oil from Russia when many other countries do the same. In response, Trump said, "It's only been 8 hours. So let's see what happens. You're going to see a lot more. You're going to see so much secondary sanctions." Amid deepening India-Russia oil ties, the US appears to be stepping up sanctions against New Delhi, signaling a broader strategy by President Trump to economically isolate Russia in the wake of its invasion of Ukraine. US imposed additional tariffs on India Trump signed an executive order on Wednesday announcing that India will face an extra 25% tariff over and above the 25% rate announced last week. While the 25% rate is effective from August 7, 2025, the newly announced additional tariff will come into place 21 days from now. Following this directive, Indian imports to the US, except for a limited exclusion list, will face a combined tariff of 50%." The ad valorem duty be in addition to any other duties, fees, taxes, exactions, and charges applicable to such imports...," the order said. "I find that the Government of India is currently directly or indirectly importing Russian Federation oil. Accordingly, and as consistent with applicable law, articles of India imported into the customs territory of the United States shall be subject to an additional ad valorem rate of duty of 25 percent," it said. India calls tariff increase '3Us- Unfair, unjustified and unreasonable' India's response was swift and firm, with the ministry of external affairs denouncing the tariff increase as "unfair, unjustified and unreasonable." The ministry emphasised that India's Russian oil imports are driven by market considerations and energy security requirements for its 1.4 billion population. The MEA statement further asserted India's commitment to protecting its national interests, describing the US decision as detrimental to their strategic partnership and mutual respect principles. "The United States has in recent days targeted India's oil imports from Russia. We have already made clear our position on these issues, including the fact that our imports are based on market factors and done with the overall objective of ensuring the energy security of 1.4 billion people of India. It is therefore extremely unfortunate that the US should choose to impose additional tariffs on India for actions that several other countries are also taking in their own national interest. We reiterate that these actions are unfair, unjustified and unreasonable. India will take all actions necessary to protect its national interests," the MEA said. As Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares for his first Chinese visit in over seven years amidst deteriorating US relations, Trump has suggested similar tariff measures against China. Trump may impose sanctions on China When questioned about potential sanctions on China, Trump acknowledged the possibility, stating that additional secondary sanctions might be implemented to pressure Russia. He confirmed that after India's case, similar actions could be extended to other nations, potentially including China. "It may happen... I can't tell you yet," Trump said. "We did it with India. We're doing it probably with a couple of others. One of them could be China." Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays .
