In 2026, the global balance of air power continues to reflect both historic military dominance and rapid modernisation efforts, particularly across Asia.
Russia
In 2026, total military aircraft numbers continue to highlight which countries possess the most expansive and versatile aerial forces.
Russia remains the focal point of renewed attention on fifth-generation fighter development as the Russian Aerospace Forces induct a new batch of Sukhoi Su-57 aircraft with a revised technical configuration.
There is a renewed Indo-Russian aerospace push following a landmark agreement between Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd and Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation to produce the Sukhoi Superjet 100 in India.
A Rossiya Airlines (FV) Boeing 747 aborted takeoff after an engine surge triggered sparks and flames during departure from Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk Airport (UUS).
Russia is moving to return decades-old aircraft to active service as its commercial aviation sector faces a deepening fleet shortage under prolonged international sanctions
Below, we explore each economy’s 2025 position and how its aviation industry reflects (and sometimes shapes) that economic reality.
Russia’s United Aircraft has received approval to begin serial production of the modified Tupolev Tu-214, with future deliveries expected to support domestic airlines such as Aeroflot (SU).
Russia has notified global aviation authorities of a planned missile launch that could disrupt one of the busiest transatlantic air corridors.
Antonov An-22 crash in Ivanovo highlights pressure on Russia’s ageing transport fleet and the challenges of sustaining old airframes.