How Many Fighter Aircraft Does the United States Have in 2025?
The United States Air Force (USAF) stands as one of the preeminent air arms globally, boasting a vast and diverse inventory of aircraft designed for a wide range of missions. As of the 2025 assessment by the World Directory of Modern Military Aircraft (WDMMA), the total active aircraft inventory of the USAF numbers 5,004 units. This extensive fleet is composed of various types, including fighters, bombers, transports, trainers, and special-mission platforms. For those interested in the sheer scale and capability of modern air forces, understanding the composition of this inventory, particularly the number of fighter aircraft, is key.
This report, based on publicly available data compiled by WDMMA, provides a detailed look into the USAF’s aerial strength for the current year, breaking down the inventory by category and highlighting the number of fighter aircraft, which are central to air superiority and strike operations. The data reflects the active units and offers insight into readiness levels and future acquisition plans.
Overall USAF Inventory 2025
The total inventory of 5,004 aircraft positions the United States Air Force as a global leader. The data from WDMMA indicates various readiness rates for this fleet: 2,502 aircraft available at a 50.0% readiness rate, 3,503 at 70.0%, 3,753 at 75.0%, and 4,003 at an 80.0% readiness rate. The force concentration is categorized as follows:
- Combat/Attack: 2,045 units
- General Support: 1,634 units
- Pilot/Crew Training: 1,325 units
- Future Procurement: 2,227 units
The USAF boasts a high TruVal Rating (TVR) of 242.9, a measure assessing strengths and weaknesses against top performers. Globally, the USAF ranks 1st out of 129 air services tracked by WDMMA, sourced from 103 countries. The suppliers contributing to this inventory include a mix of domestic and international manufacturers from nations such as the United States, Canada, Switzerland, Germany, Poland, Brazil, Spain, and Italy. Exploring the details of these formidable flying machines can be fascinating, perhaps even leading one to discover some of the best fighter aircraft movies that capture the drama and power of aerial combat.
Fighter Aircraft Breakdown
Fighters constitute a critical component of the USAF’s combat strength, designed for air-to-air engagements, interception, and strike missions. These aircraft represent approximately 32% of the total active inventory.
The United States Air Force currently operates a substantial fleet of 1,610 fighter aircraft in its active inventory for 2025. This number includes various models optimized for different roles, from air superiority to multirole capabilities.
The breakdown of the fighter inventory by specific type is as follows:
- F-16C Multirole: 762 Units
- F-35A Strike: 302 Units
- F-15E Strike: 218 Units
- F-22A Air Superiority: 183 Units
- F-15C Air Superiority: 137 Units
- F-15EX Multirole: 8 Units
This diverse fleet includes some of the most advanced fighter jets in the world, balancing older, proven platforms with newer, fifth-generation aircraft. The focus on multirole capabilities, alongside dedicated air superiority and strike platforms, highlights the USAF’s flexible operational doctrine. Understanding the specifics, such as fighter aircraft payload capabilities, reveals more about their operational effectiveness.
Photograph of a military aircraft
Other Key Aircraft Categories
Beyond its significant fighter force, the USAF operates a broad spectrum of aircraft for various missions.
Bombers
Making up approximately 3% of the total strength, the bomber fleet provides strategic strike capabilities. The USAF operates 140 units, including the iconic B-52H Strategic (76 Units), the supersonic B-1B Strategic (45 Units), and the stealthy B-2A Strategic (19 Units).
Close-Air Support (CAS)
Dedicated to supporting ground forces, CAS aircraft represent about 6% of the inventory with 295 units. This category includes the formidable A-10C Close-Air Support (261 Units), the AC-130J Close-Air Support gunship (31 Units), and a small number of A-29C Close-Air Support aircraft (3 Units).
Helicopters
Comprising around 4% of the total strength, the helicopter fleet of 218 units is used for transport, search and rescue (CSAR), and utility roles. Key types include the HH-60G/U CSAR (64 Units), UH-1N Medium Utility (63 Units), CV-22B CSAR/Transport (52 Units), HH-60W CSAR (32 Units), and MH-139A Medium Utility (7 Units).
Transports
Essential for logistics and troop movement, transports make up approximately 14% of the inventory, totaling 697 units. This includes strategic airlifters like the C-17A (222 Units) and C-5M (52 Units), and tactical aircraft like the C-130J (151 Units) and C-130H (126 Units), alongside various utility and VIP transport aircraft. Many of the multi-role aircraft in the inventory are considered among the 10 best multi role fighter aircraft in the world.
Trainers
Representing about 26% of the fleet with 1,325 units, trainer aircraft are vital for pilot and crew training. The inventory spans basic to advanced jet trainers, including the T-38A/C/AT (495 Units), T-6A Basic Trainer (442 Units), and various fighter trainers like the F-16D (150 Units) and F-15D (12 Units).
Aerial Tankers
Crucial for extending the range and endurance of combat aircraft, aerial tankers account for approximately 9% of the strength, with 453 units. The backbone of the tanker fleet remains the KC-135R/T Strategic Tanker (376 Units), supplemented by the newer KC-46A Strategic Tanker (77 Units). When considering the capabilities that make a fighter force truly effective, factors beyond sheer numbers, such as readiness rates and refueling capacity, are paramount. This contributes to which aircraft are seen as the most powerful fighter aircraft in the world.
Special-Mission Platforms
Making up about 5% of the inventory with 266 units, special-mission aircraft are adapted for roles like electronic warfare, reconnaissance, command and control, and search & rescue. This diverse category includes aircraft like the MC-130J SpecOps (57 Units), HC-130J Search & Rescue (39 Units), and various reconnaissance platforms such as the RC-135 series (25 Units) and U-2S (27 Units).
Future Procurement Outlook
The USAF has significant plans for modernizing its fleet, with 2,227 units currently on order for future delivery. This includes a substantial number of F-35A Strike Fighters (1,454 Units), reinforcing the future of the fighter fleet. Other key acquisitions include the T-7A Advanced Jet Trainer (351 Units), KC-46A Aerial Refueling tankers (102 Units), and the next-generation B-21A Strategic Bomber (100 Units). Future developments also include advanced programs, potentially including elements seen in discussions around aircraft like the china 6th generation fighter aircraft.
Conclusion
The United States Air Force’s inventory for 2025, totaling 5,004 aircraft, represents a formidable aerial capability. Specifically addressing the question of “How Many Fighter Aircraft Does The United States Have,” the data indicates a force of 1,610 fighters, comprising a mix of advanced multirole, strike, and air superiority platforms. This substantial fighter fleet, combined with a diverse range of bombers, transports, tankers, and special-mission aircraft, underscores the USAF’s capacity to project air power globally and conduct complex operations across various domains. The ongoing future procurement plans signal a continued commitment to modernization and maintaining technological superiority in the years to come.
