The U.S. military has one of the most diverse and advanced fleets of aircraft in the world. With a superpower like America, one might assume that all the country’s aircraft represent cutting-edge technology, but this isn’t always the case. Some combat aircraft flying today hit the scene decades ago. Thanks to upgrades, reliability, and proven performance, they continue to serve the U.S. military. However, the fleet contains plenty of modern aircraft as well. More modern planes showcase the very latest in stealth, sensors, and advanced design. This unusual mix of old and new highlights that success often comes from a combination of factors across a wide range of machinery. Longevity, adaptability, and innovation all play important roles in maintaining air superiority.
Looking at the oldest and newest combat aircraft currently serving in the U.S. military gives us a glimpse of how American aircraft has evolved over time. Each aircraft is a result of the strategic needs of its time; Cold War-era jets were built to last (and have done so for generations), while brand-new craft are designed for modern warfare. Together, these craft exemplify the balance between modernization and practicality. America focuses on introducing cutting-edge systems, while taking advantage of old standbys.
The United States has one of the strongest air forces in the world. Our country’s fleet comprises a mix of old and new generation fight jets to ensure air dominance, should the need arise. Here, 24/7 Wall St. is looking at some of the oldest and newest combat aircraft in the U.S. Air Force. To identify the oldest and newest combat aircraft in the United States military, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed the 2024 World Air Forces report from FlightGlobal, an aviation and aerospace industry publication. We ranked these aircraft according to when they entered service with data from Military Factory, an online database of arms, vehicles, and aircraft. We also included supplemental data on how many of these aircraft are in active service or on order, the type of aircraft, and what military branches they serve in.
This post was updated on December 22, 2025 to provide a historical overview of U.S. combat aircraft.
Why Are We Covering This?
Combat aircraft are essential to military strategy. These aircraft provide rapid response in combat scenarios, can deliver precise strikes against enemy forces, and even use advanced technology to offer more insight and data to military forces. By understanding the combat aircraft used by the U.S. Air Force, you can get a better look at joint military capabilities and defense strategies. Also, knowing what the U.S. has in its arsenal further explains its military capabilities and how the country aims to grow in the future.
Here are the oldest and newest combat aircraft currently serving in the U.S. military:
17. B-21 Raider
- Year entered service: Expected 2028
- Type: Long-range strategic stealth bomber
- Active aircraft: 0
- Aircraft on order: 100
- Military branch in service: United States Air Force
16. AC-130J Ghostrider
- Year entered service: 2017
- Type: Ground attack / close-air support
- Active aircraft: 29
- Aircraft on order: 0
- Military branch in service: United States Air Force
15. F-35A Lightning II
- Year entered service: 2016
- Type: Multirole 5th generation aircraft
- Active aircraft: 234
- Aircraft on order: 1,372
- Military branch in service: United States Air Force
14. F-35B Lightning II (VTOL)
- Year entered service: 2016
- Type: Multirole 5th generation aircraft (Vertical Takeoff and Landing)
- Active aircraft: 112
- Aircraft on order: 279
- Military branch in service: United States Marine Corps
13. F-35C Lightning II
- Year entered service: 2016
- Type: Multirole 5th generation carrier-borne aircraft
- Active aircraft: 30
- Aircraft on order: 204
- Military branch in service: United States Navy
12. AC-130W Stinger II
- Year entered service: 2010
- Type: Special operations fixed-wing gunship
- Active aircraft: 3
- Aircraft on order: 0
- Military branch in service: United States Air Force
11. F-22 Raptor
- Year entered service: 2005
- Type: 5th generation air dominance fighter aircraft
- Active aircraft: 178
- Aircraft on order: 0
- Military branch in service: United States Air Force
10. F/A-18E/F Super Hornet
- Year entered service: 1999
- Type: Carrier-based strike fighter aircraft
- Active aircraft: 421
- Aircraft on order: 76
- Military branch in service: United States Navy
9. B-2 Spirit
- Year entered service: 1997
- Type: Strategic stealth heavy bomber
- Active aircraft: 17
- Aircraft on order: 0
- Military branch in service: United States Air Force
8. AT-802U Sky Warden
- Year entered service: 1990
- Type: Multirole light aircraft
- Active aircraft: 0
- Aircraft on order: 75
- Military branch in service: United States Air Force
7. B-1B Lancer
- Year entered service: 1986
- Type: Strategic heavy bomber
- Active aircraft: 42
- Aircraft on order: 0
- Military branch in service: United States Air Force
6. AV-8B/+ Harrier II
- Year entered service: 1985
- Type: Short take-off and vertical landing strike aircraft
- Active aircraft: 87
- Aircraft on order: 0
- Military branch in service: United States Marine Corps
5. F/A-18A/C/D Hornet
- Year entered service: 1983
- Type: Carrier-based strike fighter aircraft
- Active aircraft: 140
- Aircraft on order: 0
- Military branch in service: United States Marine Corps
4. F-16C Fighting Falcon
- Year entered service: 1978
- Type: Multirole 4th generation fighter aircraft
- Active aircraft: 738
- Aircraft on order: 0
- Military branch in service: United States Air Force
3. A-10C Thunderbolt II
- Year entered service: 1976
- Type: Close-air support / forward air control
- Active aircraft: 270
- Aircraft on order: 0
- Military branch in service: United States Air Force
2. F-15 C/E/EX Eagle II
- Year entered service: 1976
- Type: Air superiority fighter aircraft
- Active aircraft: 377
- Aircraft on order: 102
- Military branch in service: United States Air Force
1. B-52H Stratofortress
- Year entered service: 1955
- Type: Long-range strategic heavy bomber
- Active aircraft: 72
- Aircraft on order: 0
- Military branch in service: United States Air Force
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