The U.S. Has 1,790 Fighter Jets, Outnumbering All Other NATO Nations Combined

By Chris Lange Published May 31, 8:20AM EDT

Key Points

NATO members have some of the most powerful fleets of military aircraft in the world
These fleets were built on billions of dollars invested in the some of the newest and best tech on the planet
Russia and China are developing their own aircraft but they pale in comparison to the size and technology of the NATO Alliance as a whole
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The U.S. Has 1,790 Fighter Jets, Outnumbering All Other NATO Nations Combined — © TebNad / iStock via Getty Images

NATO nations are home to some of the most powerful fleets of fighter aircraft. Built on billions of dollars and the most cutting-edge technology on Earth, these air forces are nothing to be trifled with. Even withstanding the next-generation aircraft being developed in Russia and China, NATO has its own fifth-generation fighters in circulation that can rival Sukhois, MiGs, and more. Here, 24/7 Wall St. is taking a closer look at the NATO countries with the most fighter aircraft.

To determine the NATO countries with the most fighter aircraft, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed the 2025 military strength report from Global Firepower, an annually updated defense-related statistics website with information on 145 countries. We ranked these countries according to which countries have the most of these aircraft. We included supplemental information regarding each country’s current air force, overall military strength ranking, and defense budget. Countries with no fighter aircraft were excluded.

It should be noted that the classification of fighter aircraft generally refers to aircraft that are primarily designated for air-to-air combat and interception. These aircraft typically carry lighter payloads than attack or strike aircraft, and different armament as well. However, in recent years as aircraft have become more advanced, these lines between strike and fighter aircraft have become blurred because of the multirole capabilities that many of these jets possess. Again, 24/7 Wall St. is going off the primary designation of these aircraft according to Global Firepower.

Here is a look at the countries with the most fighter and interceptor aircraft in NATO:

Why Are We Covering This?

Understanding NATO’s military dynamics is important when looking at the state of global security. Since its inception, NATO has played a pivotal role in shaping international relations through its collective defense and security framework. As geopolitical tensions continue to rise and new threats emerge, knowing and understanding NATO’s military capabilities is important for getting a clearer picture of the world stage. Not to mention, countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany, among others, contribute significantly to NATO’s military strength, influencing global power balances and regional stability.

22. Slovakia

Total fighter and interceptor aircraft: 2
Total strike and attack aircraft: 0
Total helicopters: 22
Total attack helicopters: 0
Total military aircraft: 41
Military defense budget: $2,656,000,000 – #64 out of 145
Military strength score and world rank: 1.3978 – #71 out of 145

In terms of its ground forces, Slovakia has 3,074 military vehicles which include 45 tanks, 25 MLRS units, and 44 artillery units. Slovakia has 19,500 active-duty personnel out of a total population of 5.56 million.

21. Bulgaria

Total fighter and interceptor aircraft: 10
Total strike and attack aircraft: 5
Total helicopters: 27
Total attack helicopters: 4
Total military aircraft: 65
Military defense budget: $1,373,232,000 – #80 out of 145
Military strength score and world rank: 1.2563 – #61 out of 145

In terms of its ground forces, Bulgaria has 4,914 military vehicles which include 90 tanks, 24 MLRS units, and 72 artillery units. Bulgaria has 37,000 active-duty personnel out of a total population of 6.78 million.

20. Croatia

Total fighter and interceptor aircraft: 10
Total strike and attack aircraft: 0
Total helicopters: 37
Total attack helicopters: 0
Total military aircraft: 67
Military defense budget: $1,176,000,000 – #83 out of 145
Military strength score and world rank: 1.5074 – #75 out of 145

In terms of its ground forces, Croatia has 2,848 military vehicles which include 45 tanks, 42 MLRS units, and 67 artillery units. Croatia has 14,325 active-duty personnel out of a total population of 4.15 million.

19. Czechia

Total fighter and interceptor aircraft: 12
Total strike and attack aircraft: 16
Total helicopters: 42
Total attack helicopters: 4
Total military aircraft: 99
Military defense budget: $6,750,000,000 – #43 out of 145
Military strength score and world rank: 0.9994 – #53 out of 145

In terms of its ground forces, Czechia has 6,340 military vehicles which include 43 tanks, 16 MLRS units, and 50 artillery units. Czechia has 28,000 active-duty personnel out of a total population of 10.84 million.

18. Hungary

Total fighter and interceptor aircraft: 12
Total strike and attack aircraft: 0
Total helicopters: 44
Total attack helicopters: 8
Total military aircraft: 69
Military defense budget: $4,576,000,000 – #53 out of 145
Military strength score and world rank: 1.0259 – #55 out of 145

In terms of its ground forces, Hungary has 7,797 military vehicles which include 209 tanks and 319 artillery units. Hungary has 41,600 active-duty personnel out of a total population of 9.86 million.

17. Romania

Romania+military+aircraft | Pride of the sky

Total fighter and interceptor aircraft: 21
Total strike and attack aircraft: 0
Total helicopters: 65
Total attack helicopters: 0
Total military aircraft: 140
Military defense budget: $9,700,000,000 – #33 out of 145
Military strength score and world rank: 0.8984 – #51 out of 145

In terms of its ground forces, Romania has 10,774 military vehicles which include 328 tanks, 243 MLRS units, and 720 artillery units. Romania has 81,300 active-duty personnel out of a total population of 18.15 million.

16. Portugal

Portugal+F-16 | Lockheed Martin F-16 AM of the Portuguese Air Force

Total fighter and interceptor aircraft: 28
Total strike and attack aircraft: 0
Total helicopters: 31
Total attack helicopters: 0
Total military aircraft: 115
Military defense budget: $4,627,000,000 – #52 out of 145
Military strength score and world rank: 0.6856 – #39 out of 145

In terms of its ground forces, Portugal has 10,828 military vehicles which include 34 tanks and 139 artillery units. Portugal has 24,000 active-duty personnel out of a total population of 10.64 million.

15. Denmark

Denmark+F-16 | Luke AFB Aerial Shoot with a Lockheed Martin F-35A-2B

Total fighter and interceptor aircraft: 31
Total strike and attack aircraft: 4
Total helicopters: 34
Total attack helicopters: 0
Total military aircraft: 117
Military defense budget: $7,225,466,250 – #40 out of 145
Military strength score and world rank: 0.8109 – #45 out of 145

In terms of its ground forces, Denmark has 3,856 military vehicles which include 44 tanks, 8 MLRS units, and 19 artillery units. Denmark has 20,000 active-duty personnel out of a total population of 5.97 million.

14. Netherlands

Total fighter and interceptor aircraft: 32
Total strike and attack aircraft: 0
Total helicopters: 63
Total attack helicopters: 12
Total military aircraft: 120
Military defense budget: $27,000,000,000 – #18 out of 145
Military strength score and world rank: 0.6412 – #36 out of 145

In terms of its ground forces, the Netherlands has 2,755 military vehicles which include 18 tanks, 2 MLRS units, and 46 artillery units. The Netherlands has 41,380 active-duty personnel out of a total population of 17.77 million.

13. Belgium

Total fighter and interceptor aircraft: 43
Total strike and attack aircraft: 0
Total helicopters: 20
Total attack helicopters: 0
Total military aircraft: 108
Military defense budget: $10,200,000,000 – #31 out of 145
Military strength score and world rank: 1.2564 – #62 out of 145

In terms of its ground forces, Belgium has 4,606 military vehicles. Belgium has 25,000 active-duty personnel out of a total population of 11.98 million.

12. Finland

Finland+military+aircraft | Hornet On The Wing

Total fighter and interceptor aircraft: 54
Total strike and attack aircraft: 0
Total helicopters: 27
Total attack helicopters: 0
Total military aircraft: 163
Military defense budget: $6,779,661,000 – #42 out of 145
Military strength score and world rank: 0.8437 – #48 out of 145

In terms of its ground forces, Finland has 11,704 military vehicles which include 200 tanks, 76 MLRS units, and 774 artillery units. Finland has 24,000 active-duty personnel out of a total population of 5.63 million.

11. Poland

Total fighter and interceptor aircraft: 59
Total strike and attack aircraft: 44
Total helicopters: 216
Total attack helicopters: 29
Total military aircraft: 479
Military defense budget: $48,700,000,000 – #12 out of 145
Military strength score and world rank: 0.3776 – #22 out of 145

In terms of its ground forces, Poland has 23,138 military vehicles which include 614 tanks, 196 MLRS units, and 677 artillery units. Poland has 202,100 active-duty personnel out of a total population of 38.75 million.

10. Canada

Total fighter and interceptor aircraft: 66
Total strike and attack aircraft: 0
Total helicopters: 145
Total attack helicopters: 0
Total military aircraft: 351
Military defense budget: $41,000,000,000 – #15 out of 145
Military strength score and world rank: 0.5179 – #28 out of 145

In terms of its ground forces, Canada has 21,704 military vehicles which include 74 tanks. Canada has 68,000 active-duty personnel out of a total population of 38.79 million.

9. Sweden

Total fighter and interceptor aircraft: 71
Total strike and attack aircraft: 0
Total helicopters: 53
Total attack helicopters: 0
Total military aircraft: 169
Military defense budget: $13,000,000,000 – #28 out of 145
Military strength score and world rank: 0.4835 – #27 out of 145

In terms of its ground forces, Sweden has 6,795 military vehicles which include 110 tanks and 26 artillery units. Sweden has 24,400 active-duty personnel out of a total population of 10.59 million.

8. Italy

Total fighter and interceptor aircraft: 89
Total strike and attack aircraft: 67
Total helicopters: 392
Total attack helicopters: 37
Total military aircraft: 729
Military defense budget: $30,890,000,000 – #16 out of 145
Military strength score and world rank: 0.2164 – #10 out of 145

In terms of its ground forces, Italy has 73,480 military vehicles which include 200 tanks, 21 MLRS units, and 172 artillery units. Italy has 165,500 active-duty personnel out of a total population of 60.96 million.

7. United Kingdom

Total fighter and interceptor aircraft: 113
Total strike and attack aircraft: 31
Total helicopters: 266
Total attack helicopters: 37
Total military aircraft: 631
Military defense budget: $71,500,540,000 – #6 out of 145
Military strength score and world rank: 0.1785 – #6 out of 145

In terms of its ground forces, the United Kingdom has 38,200 military vehicles which include 227 tanks, 29 MLRS units, and 197 artillery units. The United Kingdom has 184,860 active-duty personnel out of a total population of 68.46 million.

6. Germany

Total fighter and interceptor aircraft: 129
Total strike and attack aircraft: 63
Total helicopters: 309
Total attack helicopters: 54
Total military aircraft: 584
Military defense budget: $50,000,000,000 – #11 out of 145
Military strength score and world rank: 0.2601 – #14 out of 145

In terms of its ground forces, Germany has 83,260 military vehicles which include 296 tanks, 33 MLRS units, and 134 artillery units. Germany has 181,600 active-duty personnel out of a total population of 84.12 million.

5. Spain

Total fighter and interceptor aircraft: 137
Total strike and attack aircraft: 12
Total helicopters: 153
Total attack helicopters: 17
Total military aircraft: 461
Military defense budget: $23,397,000,000 – #22 out of 145
Military strength score and world rank: 0.3242 – #17 out of 145

In terms of its ground forces, Spain has 17,626 military vehicles which include 317 tanks and 382 artillery units. Spain has 133,282 active-duty personnel out of a total population of 47.28 million.

4. Greece

Total fighter and interceptor aircraft: 178
Total strike and attack aircraft: 0
Total helicopters: 293
Total attack helicopters: 29
Total military aircraft: 558
Military defense budget: $6,500,000,000 – #44 out of 145
Military strength score and world rank: 0.5337 – #30 out of 145

In terms of its ground forces, Greece has 61,888 military vehicles which include 1,344 tanks, 152 MLRS units, and 1287 artillery units. Greece has 142,700 active-duty personnel out of a total population of 10.46 million.

3. Turkey

Total fighter and interceptor aircraft: 201
Total strike and attack aircraft: 0
Total helicopters: 508
Total attack helicopters: 111
Total military aircraft: 1,083
Military defense budget: $47,000,000,000 – #13 out of 145
Military strength score and world rank: 0.1902 – #9 out of 145

In terms of its ground forces, Turkey has 61,173 military vehicles which include 2,238 tanks, 296 MLRS units, and 2,745 artillery units. Turkey has 355,200 active-duty personnel out of a total population of 84.12 million.

2. France

Total fighter and interceptor aircraft: 226
Total strike and attack aircraft: 0
Total helicopters: 448
Total attack helicopters: 68
Total military aircraft: 976
Military defense budget: $55,000,000,000 – #9 out of 145
Military strength score and world rank: 0.1878 – #8 out of 145

In terms of its ground forces, France has 110,932 military vehicles which include 215 tanks, 9 MLRS units, and 96 artillery units. France has 200,000 active-duty personnel out of a total population of 68.37 million.

1. United States

military jet | Five airplanes

Total fighter and interceptor aircraft: 1,790
Total strike and attack aircraft: 889
Total helicopters: 5,843
Total attack helicopters: 1,002
Total military aircraft: 13,043
Military defense budget: $895,000,000,000 – #1 out of 145
Military strength score and world rank: 0.0744 – #1 out of 145

In terms of its ground forces, the United States has 391,963 military vehicles which include 4,640 tanks, 641 MLRS units, and 1,883 artillery units. The United States has 1,328,000 active-duty personnel out of a total population of 341.96 million.

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About the Author Chris Lange →

Chris Lange is a writer for 24/7 Wall St., based in Houston. He has covered financial markets over the past decade with an emphasis on healthcare, tech, and IPOs. During this time, he has published thousands of articles with insightful analysis across these complex fields. Currently, Lange's focus is on military and geopolitical topics.

Lange's work has been quoted or mentioned in Forbes, The New York Times, Business Insider, USA Today, MSN, Yahoo, The Verge, Vice, The Intelligencer, Quartz, Nasdaq, The Motley Fool, Fox Business, International Business Times, The Street, Seeking Alpha, Barron’s, Benzinga, and many other major publications.

A graduate of Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas, Lange majored in business with a particular focus on investments. He has previous experience in the banking industry and startups.