Major Air Forces of the World

Of the some 170 independent countries of the world, about 135 have air forces. Many of the smaller nations—about 35—do not have jet fighters and have air forces consisting of only reconnaissance craft, transports, trainers, and helicopters. Most powerful countries have an independent air force unit, whereas the smaller countries have air force unit as part of their army or navy. A nation’s wealth, technology, and national defense needs are the determining factors for the size and strength of the air force in different countries. The powerful and rich countries possess modern bombers, fighters, transport planes, helicopters, and other aircraft. The developing countries on the other hand have taken up loans to spruce up their air forces. These countries mostly have older aircrafts.

The largest air forces are those of the United States, Russia, Great Britain, India, North Korea, Germany, Israel, China and France. Other countries like Ukraine, Italy, and Turkey also count as countries with significant air forces. However, in comparison to the developed countries, these forces are smaller and less technologically advanced.

Before the development of missiles and airplanes in the 20th century, countries depended on armies and navies which are restricted to the land and sea. In modern times, the armies and navies are very important but the air forces provide the most powerful striking force in defense.

Not all nations have separate air forces, and those that do may assign some types of tactical and defense planes and missiles, as well as planes used for transport and supply, to army or navy control.

The United States Air Force, which is the world's strongest, includes not only bomber and fighter units, but also the country's land-based strategic missile force. It has about 400,000 persons on active duty. It boasts of 2,000 active fighter and attack aircraft and about 200 bombers. Additionally, it operates several satellite and radar systems. It has about 330,000 members, along with about 75,000 in the Air Force Reserve. The Air National Guard units administered by the states have around 107,000 people. The U.S. Air Force commands about 600 ICBM's but no IRBM's. The U.S and the Soviet Union under a 1987 treaty decided to eliminate their IRMB’s. The U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard have their separate air force units. With over 1,700 combat airplanes and about 700 armed helicopters the U.S. navy has the largest air arm. The army unit owns 1,100 armed helicopters.

Russia has about 205,000 officers and enlisted persons in its air force. It has got 1,700 active combat aircraft, primarily fighters. More than 180,000 members serve in the air forces. It has only a few long-range bombers but a very strong force of medium bombers. The Russian air force is not responsible for the nation's strategic missile force, which is a separate service, but it does have tens of thousands of tactical missiles. A separate strategic force controls nearly 630 ICBM’s. The military satellites are launched and operated by another force for space operations. The aviation branch of the Russian Navy possesses 250 combat airplanes and about 150 armed helicopters.

Great Britain's Royal Air Force has about 50,000 officers and enlisted personnel. It has over 400 active combat aircraft, mostly fighter and attack airplanes. Most of its strength consists of bomber and fighter aircraft based in Great Britain, but it also has units in Germany, the Falkland Islands, and a few other locations. The royal navy’s air arm boasts of around 30 additional combat airplanes and around 180 armed helicopters.

The French air force numbers about 60,000 persons. It has a strategic nuclear armed bomber fleet as well as conventionally armed fighters. Additionally, it has around 450 combat aircraft, most of which are the fighters and attack planes. About 60 bombers equipped with IRBM's are operated by a separate strategic air force. There are around 60 combat airplanes and 30 armed helicopters.

Germany's air force, Luftwaffe, has a strength of about 65,000. Its principal weapons are fighter-bombers and fighters, but it is also heavily armed with tactical missiles. It has around 400 active attack and fighter aircraft, with about 60 additional combat airplanes and 20 armed helicopters in the navy's air unit.

China has an air force of 400,000 persons. Many of its aircraft are of obsolete Soviet design. It has got around 1,700 fighter and attack planes and about 120 bombers. The navy operates around 700 additional combat aircraft. It also has around 30 ICBM’s and 100 IRBM’s.

The Indian Air Force has around 700 combat aircraft, including around 600 fighters and about 40 attack helicopters. India’s Air Force also controls a large arsenal of surface-to-air missiles. Nearly 170,000 people serve in the Air force. The naval air force has got around 35 additional combat airplanes and about 30 armed helicopters.

The North Korean Air Force comprises of 600 active combat planes and more than 20 armed helicopters. Nearly 110,000 people serve in the air force.

The Israeli air force has got 400 active fighter and attack planes, and about 100 armed helicopters. Around 35,000 members serve in the air force.