Who Rules the Skies – China, Russia, or North Korea?

By Chris Lange Published May 1, 8:10AM EDT

Follow 24/7 Wall St. on Google

This post may contain links from our sponsors and affiliates, and Flywheel Publishing may receive compensation for actions taken through them.

Who Rules the Skies – China, Russia, or North Korea? — © guvendemir / E+ via Getty Images

New images this month show China’s latest stealth fighter jet, the J-50. This jet has a tailless design and modern features like special air intakes (DSI) and the ability to point its engine exhaust in different directions (thrust vectoring). These advanced features suggest that the J-50 might be even better than some of the U.S. fighter jets that are still being developed.

While the J-50 represents a major leap forward in China’s aviation technology, it is just one piece of the air power in Asia. The continent is home to some of the world’s largest and most rapidly modernizing fighter jet fleets. Here, 24/7 Wall St. is taking a closer look at the largest fighter jet fleets on the Asian continent.

To determine the Asian countries with the most fighter aircraft, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed the 2024 military strength report from Global Firepower, an annually updated defense-related statistics website with information on 145 countries. We ranked these countries according to how many fighter jets each has. We also included supplemental information regarding each country’s current air force and overall military strength ranking. Nations that did not have any fighter aircraft were excluded.

It should be noted that the classification of “fighter aircraft” generally refers to aircraft mainly used 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. (The newest NATO combat aircraft is not a fifth-generation fighter jet.)

This is an updated version of a previously published story to reflect updated data and statistics regarding airpower in Asia.)

Why This Matters Today

China’s new J-50 stealth jet is entering a part of the world already known for its powerful and advanced air forces. China’s new jet suggests that the country wants to be a leader in this area and that the power balance in the region could be changing.

Here is a look at the Asian countries with the most fighter aircraft:

30. Turkmenistan

Total strike and attack aircraft: 27
Total fighter and interceptor aircraft: 24
Total helicopters: 26
Total attack helicopters: 10
Total military aircraft: 91
Military strength score and world rank: 1.6512 – #77 out of 145

In terms of its ground forces, Turkmenistan has 5,016 military vehicles (including 654 tanks, 523 artillery units, and 164 MLRS units). Turkmenistan has 36,500 active-duty personnel out of a total population of 5.7 million.

29. Malaysia

Malaysia+Sukhoi | Sukhoi Su-30MKM (Russian: Модернизированный Коммерческий Малайзийский/Modernizirovannyi Kommercheskiy Malayziyskiy – Modernized Export Malaysia; NATO reporting name: "Flanker-H")

Total strike and attack aircraft: 12
Total fighter and interceptor aircraft: 26
Total helicopters: 45
Total attack helicopters: 0
Total military aircraft: 135
Military strength score and world rank: 0.7429 – #42 out of 145

In terms of its ground forces, Malaysia has 13,506 military vehicles (including 48 tanks, 196 artillery units, and 36 MLRS units). Malaysia has 113,000 active-duty personnel out of a total population of 34.5 million.

28. Iraq

Total strike and attack aircraft: 36
Total fighter and interceptor aircraft: 26
Total helicopters: 197
Total attack helicopters: 39
Total military aircraft: 391
Military strength score and world rank: 0.7738 – #43 out of 145

In terms of its ground forces, Iraq has 39,872 military vehicles (including 1,025 tanks, 1,044 artillery units, and 425 MLRS units). Iraq has 193,000 active-duty personnel out of a total population of 42 million.

27. Yemen

A Magnifying Glass on Yemen of the World Map

Total strike and attack aircraft: 12
Total fighter and interceptor aircraft: 27
Total helicopters: 30
Total attack helicopters: 7
Total military aircraft: 84
Military strength score and world rank: 1.8901 – #85 out of 145

In terms of its ground forces, Yemen has 550 military vehicles (including 0 tanks, 15 artillery units, and 10 MLRS units). Yemen has 66,700 active-duty personnel out of a total population of 32.1 million.

26. Oman

Nigeria+military+aircraft | SEPECAT "Jaguar" XX818 from 238 Squadron in hanger 3 at RAF Cosford

Total strike and attack aircraft: 10
Total fighter and interceptor aircraft: 29
Total helicopters: 31
Total attack helicopters: 0
Total military aircraft: 128
Military strength score and world rank: 1.8047 – #82 out of 145

In terms of its ground forces, Oman has 4,084 military vehicles (including 150 tanks and 164 artillery units). Oman has 42,600 active-duty personnel out of a total population of 3.9 million.

25. Vietnam

Total strike and attack aircraft: 32
Total fighter and interceptor aircraft: 41
Total helicopters: 101
Total attack helicopters: 0
Total military aircraft: 246
Military strength score and world rank: 0.4024 – #23 out of 145

In terms of its ground forces, Vietnam has 18,578 military vehicles (including 1,374 tanks, 575 artillery units, and 474 MLRS units). Vietnam has 600,000 active-duty personnel out of a total population of 105.7 million.

24. Indonesia

Indonesian Air Force Sukhoi Su... by PK-REN

Indonesian Air Force Sukhoi Su... (CC BY-SA 2.0) by PK-REN

Total strike and attack aircraft: 34
Total fighter and interceptor aircraft: 41
Total helicopters: 214
Total attack helicopters: 15
Total military aircraft: 549
Military strength score and world rank: 0.2557 – #13 out of 145

In terms of its ground forces, Indonesia has 20,440 military vehicles (including 331 tanks, 549 artillery units, and 63 MLRS units). Indonesia has 400,000 active-duty personnel out of a total population of 281.5 million.

23. Bangladesh

36502: Bangladesh Air Force Mi... by Shadman Samee

36502: Bangladesh Air Force Mi... (CC BY-SA 2.0) by Shadman Samee

Total strike and attack aircraft: 0
Total fighter and interceptor aircraft: 42
Total helicopters: 65
Total attack helicopters: 0
Total military aircraft: 214
Military strength score and world rank: 0.6062 – #35 out of 145

In terms of its ground forces, Bangladesh has 13,100 military vehicles (including 320 tanks, 602 artillery units, and 110 MLRS units). Bangladesh has 163,000 active-duty personnel out of a total population of 168.6 million.

22. Kuwait

Total strike and attack aircraft: 0
Total fighter and interceptor aircraft: 43
Total helicopters: 67
Total attack helicopters: 16
Total military aircraft: 128
Military strength score and world rank: 1.6982 – #79 out of 145

In terms of its ground forces, Kuwait has 5,636 military vehicles (including 367 tanks, 74 artillery units, and 27 MLRS units). Kuwait has 72,000 active-duty personnel out of a total population of 3.1 million.

21. Jordan

Total strike and attack aircraft: 6
Total fighter and interceptor aircraft: 44
Total helicopters: 155
Total attack helicopters: 43
Total military aircraft: 274
Military strength score and world rank: 1.6139 – #75 out of 145

In terms of its ground forces, Jordan has 24,148 military vehicles (including 1,458 tanks, 438 artillery units, and 56 MLRS units). Jordan has 100,500 active-duty personnel out of a total population of 11.1 million.

20. Uzbekistan

Detailed map showcasing a country Uzbekistan

Total strike and attack aircraft: 13
Total fighter and interceptor aircraft: 58
Total helicopters: 101
Total attack helicopters: 34
Total military aircraft: 192
Military strength score and world rank: 1.1121 – #58 out of 145

In terms of its ground forces, Uzbekistan has 2,970 military vehicles (including 340 tanks, 383 artillery units, and 108 MLRS units). Uzbekistan has 48,000 active-duty personnel out of a total population of 36.5 million.

19. Myanmar

Total strike and attack aircraft: 26
Total fighter and interceptor aircraft: 58
Total helicopters: 83
Total attack helicopters: 9
Total military aircraft: 317
Military strength score and world rank: 0.6735 – #37 out of 145

In terms of its ground forces, Myanmar has 5,980 military vehicles (including 445 tanks, 305 artillery units, and 180 MLRS units). Myanmar has 150,000 active-duty personnel out of a total population of 57.5 million.

18. Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan+MiG | 20240402 102146 MiG-29 rear-right MilHistMus-Astana 301dpi

Total strike and attack aircraft: 25
Total fighter and interceptor aircraft: 63
Total helicopters: 65
Total attack helicopters: 12
Total military aircraft: 198
Military strength score and world rank: 1.1016 – #57 out of 145

In terms of its ground forces, Kazakhstan has 7,736 military vehicles (including 350 tanks, 320 artillery units, and 287 MLRS units). Kazakhstan has 110,000 active-duty personnel out of a total population of 20.2 million.

17. Thailand

130312-F-ZZ999-424 (CC BY 2.0) by PACAF

Total strike and attack aircraft: 20
Total fighter and interceptor aircraft: 72
Total helicopters: 231
Total attack helicopters: 7
Total military aircraft: 258
Military strength score and world rank: 0.4536 – #25 out of 145

In terms of its ground forces, Thailand has 16,935 military vehicles (including 635 tanks, 639 artillery units, and 26 MLRS units). Thailand has 360,850 active-duty personnel out of a total population of 69.9 million.

16. United Arab Emirates

Total strike and attack aircraft: 16
Total fighter and interceptor aircraft: 99
Total helicopters: 247
Total attack helicopters: 30
Total military aircraft: 551
Military strength score and world rank: 1.0186 – #54 out of 145

In terms of its ground forces, the United Arab Emirates has 8,707 military vehicles (including 354 tanks, 264 artillery units, and 49 MLRS units). The United Arab Emirates has 65,000 active-duty personnel out of a total population of 10.0 million.

15. Singapore

Singapore+F-15 | 67th FS returns to Kadena

Total strike and attack aircraft: 0
Total fighter and interceptor aircraft: 100
Total helicopters: 70
Total attack helicopters: 18
Total military aircraft: 230
Military strength score and world rank: 0.5271 – #29 out of 145

In terms of its ground forces, Singapore has 8,998 military vehicles (including 170 tanks, 137 artillery units, and 24 MLRS units). Singapore has 51,000 active-duty personnel out of a total population of 6.0 million.

14. Qatar

Total strike and attack aircraft: 6
Total fighter and interceptor aircraft: 102
Total helicopters: 80
Total attack helicopters: 24
Total military aircraft: 251
Military strength score and world rank: 1.4307 – #72 out of 145

In terms of its ground forces, Qatar has 5,024 military vehicles (including 99 tanks, 58 artillery units, and 16 MLRS units). Qatar has 66,550 active-duty personnel out of a total population of 2.5 million.

13. Syria

Sukhoi Su-34 u2018RF-95841 / 10 ... by Alan Wilson

Sukhoi Su-34 u2018RF-95841 / 10 ... (CC BY-SA 2.0) by Alan Wilson

Total strike and attack aircraft: 9
Total fighter and interceptor aircraft: 104
Total helicopters: 77
Total attack helicopters: 14
Total military aircraft: 207
Military strength score and world rank: 1.2771 – #64 out of 145

In terms of its ground forces, Syria has 11,148 military vehicles (including 365 tanks, 731 artillery units, and 204 MLRS units). Syria has 170,000 active-duty personnel out of a total population of 23.8 million.

12. Iran

Iran Shahed-136 | Iranian military unmanned aerial vehicle at sunset. Combat drone

Total strike and attack aircraft: 21
Total fighter and interceptor aircraft: 188
Total helicopters: 128
Total attack helicopters: 13
Total military aircraft: 551
Military strength score and world rank: 0.3048 – #16 out of 145

In terms of its ground forces, Iran has 65,825 military vehicles (including 1,713 tanks, 2,462 artillery units, and 1,517 MLRS units). Iran has 610,000 active-duty personnel out of a total population of 88.3 million.

11. Turkey

F-16 SoloTu00c3u00bcrk / Turkish Air F... by slezo

F-16 SoloTu00c3u00bcrk / Turkish Air F... (CC BY-SA 2.0) by slezo

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

In terms of its ground forces, Turkey has 61,173 military vehicles (including 2,238 tanks, 2,745 artillery units, and 296 MLRS units). Turkey has 355,200 active-duty personnel out of a total population of 84.1 million.

10. Japan

Total strike and attack aircraft: 38
Total fighter and interceptor aircraft: 217
Total helicopters: 596
Total attack helicopters: 119
Total military aircraft: 1,443
Military strength score and world rank: 0.1839 – #8 out of 145

In terms of its ground forces, Japan has 31,964 military vehicles (including 521 tanks, 629 artillery units, and 54 MLRS units). Japan has 247,150 active-duty personnel out of a total population of 123.2 million.

9. Israel

An Israeli F-35 Adir receives fuel from a Tennessee Air National Guard KC-135 as the aircraft make the flight across the Atlantic, Dec, 6, 2016. by ermaleksandr

An Israeli F-35 Adir receives fuel from a Tennessee Air National Guard KC-135 as the aircraft make the flight across the Atlantic, Dec, 6, 2016. (Public Domain) by ermaleksandr

Total strike and attack aircraft: 38
Total fighter and interceptor aircraft: 240
Total helicopters: 147
Total attack helicopters: 48
Total military aircraft: 611
Military strength score and world rank: 0.2661 – #15 out of 145

In terms of its ground forces, Israel has 35,985 military vehicles (including 1,300 tanks, 523 artillery units, and 183 MLRS units). Israel has 170,000 active-duty personnel out of a total population of 9.4 million.

8. Saudi Arabia

Total strike and attack aircraft: 81
Total fighter and interceptor aircraft: 283
Total helicopters: 264
Total attack helicopters: 34
Total military aircraft: 917
Military strength score and world rank: 0.4201 – #24 out of 145

In terms of its ground forces, Saudi Arabia has 19.040 military vehicles (including 840 tanks, 799 artillery units, and 321 MLRS units). Saudi Arabia has 257,000 active-duty personnel out of a total population of 36.5 million.

7. Taiwan

Taiwan+F-16 | General Dynamics (its aviation unit now part of Lockheed Martin) F-16C Block 50D "Fighting Falcon" (s/n 91-0412)

Total strike and attack aircraft: 0
Total fighter and interceptor aircraft: 285
Total helicopters: 236
Total attack helicopters: 91
Total military aircraft: 761
Military strength score and world rank: 0.3988 – #22 out of 145

In terms of its ground forces, Taiwan has 19,921 military vehicles (including 888 tanks, 1,848 artillery units, and 234 MLRS units). Taiwan has 215,000 active-duty personnel out of a total population of 23.5 million.

6. South Korea

Total strike and attack aircraft: 98
Total fighter and interceptor aircraft: 315
Total helicopters: 807
Total attack helicopters: 111
Total military aircraft: 1,592
Military strength score and world rank: 0.1656 – #5 out of 145

In terms of its ground forces, South Korea has 58,880 military vehicles (including 2,236 tanks, 7,670 artillery units, and 426 MLRS units). South Korea has 600,000 active-duty personnel out of a total population of 52.0 million.

5. Pakistan

Total strike and attack aircraft: 90
Total fighter and interceptor aircraft: 328
Total helicopters: 373
Total attack helicopters: 57
Total military aircraft: 1,399
Military strength score and world rank: 0.2513 – #12 out of 145

In terms of its ground forces, Pakistan has 17,516 military vehicles (including 2,627 tanks, 3,291 artillery units, and 600 MLRS units). Pakistan has 654,000 active-duty personnel out of a total population of 352.3 million.

4. North Korea

Total strike and attack aircraft: 114
Total fighter and interceptor aircraft: 368
Total helicopters: 205
Total attack helicopters: 20
Total military aircraft: 861
Military strength score and world rank: 0.6016 – #34 out of 145

In terms of its ground forces, North Korea has 18,288 military vehicles (including 4,344 tanks, 2,000 artillery units, and 1,500 MLRS units). North Korea has 1,320,000 active-duty personnel out of a total population of 26.2 million.

3. India

Total strike and attack aircraft: 130
Total fighter and interceptor aircraft: 513
Total helicopters: 899
Total attack helicopters: 80
Total military aircraft: 2,229
Military strength score and world rank: 0.1184 – #4 out of 145

In terms of its ground forces, India has 148,594 military vehicles (including 4,201 tanks, 4,075 artillery units, and 264 MLRS units). India has 1,455,550 active-duty personnel out of a total population of 1.4 billion.

2. Russia

russian+mig | Russian Air Force Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-29S Naumenko-1

Total strike and attack aircraft: 689
Total fighter and interceptor aircraft: 833
Total helicopters: 1,651
Total attack helicopters: 557
Total military aircraft: 4,292
Military strength score and world rank: 0.0788 – #2 out of 145

In terms of its ground forces, Russia has 131,527 military vehicles (including 5,750 tanks, 13,673 artillery units, and 3,065 MLRS units). Russia has 1,320,000 active-duty personnel out of a total population of 140.8 million.

1. China

Total strike and attack aircraft: 371
Total fighter and interceptor aircraft: 1,212
Total helicopters: 913
Total attack helicopters: 281
Total military aircraft: 3,309
Military strength score and world rank: 0.0788 – #3 out of 145

In terms of its ground forces, China has 144,017 military vehicles (including 6,800 tanks, 4,490 artillery units, and 2,750 MLRS units). China has 2,035,000 active-duty personnel out of a total population of 1.4 billion.

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.