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Countries with the most powerful air forces in 2025: The ongoing geopolitical tensions and conflicts, such as the crisis in Ukraine and heightened tensions in regions like the Middle East, have led global military expenditure to reach a record high of $2.44 trillion in 2023.
This marks a 6.8% increase from the previous year, as reported by SIPRI. As a result, global air military capabilities are witnessing significant advancements and strategic developments.
Countries around the world are continuously upgrading their aerial capabilities to maintain a strategic advantage and establish themselves as leading air forces.
Air power has long been a defining factor in global dominance, playing a pivotal role in warfare since the early 20th century and proving to be an essential asset for armed forces worldwide.
To assess which nation holds the most significant air dominance, GlobalFirepower 2025 has compiled data detailing the total aircraft fleets of various countries; enlisted below are the most powerful countries with the largest military air forces, as of 2025.
The United States boasts unparalleled air strength, surpassing the combined aerial capabilities of Russia, China, India, South Korea, and Japan, owing to nearly 40% of global military spending.
Russia ranks second, having about one-third of America’s air capacity, and is followed by China, holding the third position in air power globally, rapidly advancing its capabilities through significant investments in technology.
Among the top 10 most powerful air forces, India has also secured a prominent position; check the rankings below:
| Rank 2025 | Country Name | Aircraft Total in 2025 |
| 1 | United States of America | 13,043 |
| 2 | Russia | 4,292 |
| 3 | China | 3,309 |
| 4 | India | 2,229 |
| 5 | South Korea | 1,592 |
| 6 | Japan | 1,443 |
| 7 | Pakistan | 1,399 |
| 8 | Egypt | 1,093 |
| 9 | Turkey | 1,083 |
| 10 | France | 976 |
Source: GlobalFirepower 2025
Reflecting its commitment to modernising its fleet and enhancing its capabilities, India ranks as the fourth most powerful country with the largest air force in the world, as of 2025.
It has also emerged as a significant military power with a Global Firepower Index Score of 0.1184, largely driven by being one of the largest military spenders, rapid modernisation, technological innovation, and large manpower.
