Although you may not think of aircraft first when you think of the U.S. Navy, the Navy boasts the second-largest air force in the world, the largest being the U.S. Air Force. The Navy’s history is a fascinating one, with Naval pilots being the first to fly all the way across the Atlantic Ocean in 1919. It wasn’t a nonstop flight but was still the first in history to travel across the Atlantic Ocean by air. The Navy has inspired movies such as “Top Gun” and “Pearl Harbor.” Many NASA astronauts began as U.S. Navy pilots, including Neil Armstrong. The Navy’s influence reaches across the globe with vessels currently located in all regions around the world.
Here at 24/7 Wall St., we compiled a list of every active plane in the U.S. Navy. We used data from the 2023 report World Air Forces from FlightGlobal, an aviation and aerospace industry website, and ranked the aircraft by the number of units in active service. Additionally, we’ve included interesting facts on the type of aircraft, how many are in active service, and how many are on order. We’ve also included data on each aircraft’s first flight, which we obtained from various military and historical sources.
The cornerstone of the Navy’s combat aviation fleet is the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and its predecessor, the F/A-18 Hornet. These jets are equipped with advanced avionics and weapons systems and are designed with strike missions, air superiority, and aerial reconnaissance in mind. F/A-18s have proven to be essential in combat aircraft missions across the world.
Then there is the multi-role stealth fighter F-35C Lightning II, which is part of the next generation and an addition to the fleet. Developed by Lockheed Martin, this aircraft incorporates the latest technologies, making it among the most advanced fighters on the planet. (These are the most expensive planes made for the U.S. Navy.)
The EA-18G Growler is another essential part of the Navy’s aerial arsenal. This advanced electronic warfare aircraft is generally tasked with jamming enemy radar and communication systems and is an essential aircraft for ensuring air superiority in contested environments. These aircraft feature advanced radar and onboard electronic systems that offer capabilities beyond just targeting. Another key component of the Navy’s patrol and strike capabilities is the Boeing P-8 Poseidon. These aircraft play a role in tracking and targeting submarines and surface ships.
The U.S. Navy’s current warplanes serve several roles, ranging from air supremacy to maritime control. The combination of combat fighter jets, reconnaissance aircraft, and even electronic warfare planes creates an incredible adversary for any enemy. Here’s a look at all the planes in active service in the U.S. Navy. (Also see, the world’s 20 fastest warplanes.)
Here is every plane in the U.S. Navy.
Why Are We Covering This?
Source: EllenwoodMax37 / Shutterstock.com
24/7 would like our readers to understand where their tax dollars are being spent. The Navy received $202.6 billion in government funding in 2024, second only to the Air Force at $216.1. billion. In fiscal year 2025, the Navy has requested $16.6 billion of its funding to purchase 75 aircraft and helicopters, which is actually slightly less than in 2024.
25. C-130 Super Hercules
Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
- How Many are Active in the Navy? 1 (tied)
This transport aircraft had its first flight in April 1996. There are currently none on order for the Navy.
24. de Havilland DHC-3 Otter
Source: lilly3 / iStock Editorial via Getty Images
- How Many are Active in the Navy? 1 (tied)
This training aircraft had its first flight in December 1951. There are currently none on order for the Navy.
23. de Havilland DHC-2 Beaver
Source: Kristian1108 / iStock Unreleased via Getty Images
- How Many are Active in the Navy? 2 (tied)
This training aircraft had its first flight in August 1947. There are currently none on order for the Navy.
22. Gulfstream C-20
Source: Public Domain / Defense Visual Information Distribution Service
- How Many are Active in the Navy? 2 (tied)
This transport aircraft had its first flight in September 1985. There are currently none on order for the Navy.
21. KC-130 Hercules
- How Many are Active in the Navy? 10 (tied)
This tanker aircraft had its first flight in January 1960. There are currently none on order for the Navy.
20. Northrop T-38 Talon
Source: Ryan Fletcher / iStock Editorial via Getty Images
- How Many are Active in the Navy? 10 (tied)
This training aircraft had its first flight in March 1959. There are currently none on order for the Navy.
19. EP-3 Ares II
Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
- How Many are Active in the Navy? 11
This special mission aircraft had its first flight in November 2002. There are currently none on order for the Navy.
18. Beechcraft C-12 Huron
- How Many are Active in the Navy? 13 (tied)
This transport aircraft had its first flight in October 1972. There are currently none on order for the Navy.
17. Beechcraft T-34 Mentor
Source: Ryan Fletcher / iStock Editorial via Getty Images
- How Many are Active in the Navy? 13 (tied)
This training aircraft had its first flight in December 1948. There are currently none on order for the Navy.
16. F-16 Fighting Falcon
Source: my_public_domain_photos / Flickr
- How Many are Active in the Navy? 14
This training aircraft had its first flight in January 1974. There are currently none on order for the Navy.\\
15. Boeing E-6 Mercury
Source: AllenJMSmith / iStock Editorial via Getty Images
- How Many are Active in the Navy? 16
This special mission aircraft had its first flight in February 1987. There are currently none on order for the Navy.
14. C-40 Clipper
- How Many are Active in the Navy? 17 (tied)
This transport aircraft had its first flight in April 2000. There are currently none on order for the Navy.
13. C-130 Hercules
Source: NNehring / E+ via Getty Images
- How Many are Active in the Navy? 17 (tied)
This transport aircraft had its first flight in August 1954 There are currently none on order for the Navy.
12. Martin P-3 Orion
Source: viper-zero / iStock Editorial via Getty Images
- How Many are Active in the Navy? 17 (tied)
This special mission aircraft had its first flight in November 1959. There are currently none on order for the Navy.
11. C-2 Greyhound
Source: Public Domain / Defense Visual Information Distribution Service
- How Many are Active in the Navy? 30
This transport aircraft had its first flight in November 1964. There are currently none on order for the Navy.
10. F-5 Freedom Fighter
Source: my_public_domain_photos / Flickr
- How Many are Active in the Navy? 31
This training aircraft had its first flight in July 1959. There are currently none on order for the Navy.
9. F-35 Lightning II
Source: Robert Sullivan / Public Domain / Flickr
- How Many are Active in the Navy? 35
This combat/training aircraft had its first flight in December 2006. There are currently 216 on order for the Navy.
8. F/A-18 Hornet
Source: Public Domain / Defense Visual Information Distribution Service
- How Many are Active in the Navy? 52
This training aircraft had its first flight in November 1978. There are currently none on order for the Navy.
7. Beechcraft Super King Air
- How Many are Active in the Navy? 56
This training aircraft had its first flight in October 1972. There are currently none on order for the Navy.
6. E-2 Hawkeye
- How Many are Active in the Navy? 73
This special mission aircraft had its first flight in October 1960. There are currently 34 on order for the Navy.
5. Boeing P-8 Poseidon
- How Many are Active in the Navy? 116
This special mission aircraft had its first flight in April 2009. There are currently 12 on order for the Navy.
4. EA-18G Growler
Source: Public Domain / Defense Visual Information Distribution Service
- How Many are Active in the Navy? 152
This special mission aircraft had its first flight in August 2006. There are currently none on order for the Navy.
3. T-45 Goshawk
Source: Robert Sullivan / Public Domain / Flickr
- How Many are Active in the Navy? 189
This training aircraft had its first flight in April 1988. There are currently none on order for the Navy.
2. T-6 Texan
- How Many are Active in the Navy? 293
This training aircraft had its first flight in April 1935. There are currently 29 on order for the Navy.
1. F/A-18 Super Hornet
- How Many are Active in the Navy? 547
Coming in first on our list of the most active planes in service for the Navy is the F/A-18 Super Hornet. This combat/training aircraft had its first flight in November 1995. There are currently 76 on order for the Navy.
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