The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), in a new edition of its Military Balance handbook, presented an updated assessment of the number of combat aircraft in the largest countries. The US maintains a significant lead over its competitors, including Russia and China.
As of early 2026, the US Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps have 2,444 combat aircraft. Including the National Guard aviation, the total number approaches 3,000 units.
Russia has approximately 1,200 combat aircraft, the IISS stated. According to calculations, the US surpasses Russia in the number of operational aircraft by approximately 2 times, and including reserves, by almost 2.5 times.
China became the closest "pursuer" of the US in combat aviation with a fleet of about 2,118 aircraft.
Earlier, foreign sources also estimated the number of Su-34 and Su-57 in service with the Russian Aerospace Forces.