{"id":114623,"date":"2025-09-25T22:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-09-25T16:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/?p=114623"},"modified":"2025-11-08T02:28:24","modified_gmt":"2025-11-07T20:58:24","slug":"largest-air-force-by-f-35-fleet-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/2025\/09\/25\/largest-air-force-by-f-35-fleet-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Largest Air Force in the World by F-35 Fleet in 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Few military aircraft have reshaped global airpower as dramatically as the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II. First flying in 2006, the jet has since become the world\u2019s most prolific fifth-generation fighter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Currently, more than 1,200 F-35s are in service across 20 countries, making it the first truly multinational stealth fighter. In this article, we will have a look at the top 10 nations by F-35 fleet size. We will also explore why these numbers matter for the future of global security.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo: TSGT Ken Hammond | Wikimedia Commons
https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:DF-ST-83-01943_Danish_F_35_Draken_in_1982.JPEG<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

10. Denmark<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Denmark is the newest NATO country to join the F-35 club, with an order for 27 F-35A Lightning IIs. Deliveries began in the early 2020s, and by 2025 the Royal Danish Air Force has a small but steadily growing fleet, with some aircraft still stationed in the United States for training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Replacing its F-16 fleet, Denmark\u2019s F-35s will enable stronger participation in NATO\u2019s Baltic and Arctic air policing missions. The fleet size may be modest, but for a nation with a small air force, the Lightning II provides a generational leap in capability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo: Lockheed Martin’s F-35 fighter jets flying overhead \/ Pexels<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

9. South Korea<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

South Korea has ordered 60 F-35A Lightning IIs, with nearly 40 operational by 2025. Seoul views the aircraft as a critical component of its defense against North Korea\u2019s missile and nuclear programs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Operating from hardened airbases, South Korea\u2019s F-35s bring advanced strike capability with precision-guided munitions, long-range sensors, and stealth profiles suited for penetrating heavily defended airspace. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plans to acquire additional F-35Bs for shipborne operations are also under discussion, which would further expand the fleet\u2019s flexibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo: VynedJ | Wikimedia Commons
https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Dutch_F-35_at_Kauhava_Air_Show_2025.jpg<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

8. The Netherlands<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Royal Netherlands Air Force is transitioning its fighter fleet from F-16s to 52 ordered F-35As, with over 40 delivered by 2025. These aircraft are central to Dutch NATO commitments, including quick reaction alert missions and exercises across Europe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Netherlands was one of the early partners in the Joint Strike Fighter program, and its pilots have quickly integrated the aircraft into multinational operations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Though relatively small, the Dutch fleet is fully aligned with NATO\u2019s airpower strategy, ensuring interoperability alongside larger allies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo: Tech. Sgt. Timothy Boyer | Wikimedia Commons
https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Norwegian_F-35_Lightning_II.jpg<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

7. Norway<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Norway has completed delivery of its 52 F-35As, making it one of the first European nations to field a full Lightning II fleet. Operating from \u00d8rland and Evenes Air Bases, Norway\u2019s F-35s are tasked with defending NATO\u2019s northern flank and operating in challenging Arctic conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The aircraft have replaced F-16s in quick reaction alert duties and play a central role in monitoring Russian activity near the High North. With full integration into NATO\u2019s command networks, Norway\u2019s F-35s provide both deterrence and rapid-response capability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo: William Lewis | Wikimedia Commons
https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:F-35I-Adir-0296.jpg<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

6. Israel <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Israel has ordered around 75 F-35s, of which nearly 50 have been delivered by 2025. Known locally as the \u201cAdir\u201d (Mighty), Israel\u2019s F-35A fleet is customized with indigenous avionics, weapons, and electronic warfare systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Israeli Air Force was the first in the world to use the F-35 in combat operations, striking targets in the Middle East as early as 2018. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The aircraft\u2019s stealth and sensor fusion give Israel a decisive edge over regional adversaries, while ongoing upgrades will allow the Adir to control drones in future operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo: Airman 1st Class Brooke Keisler | Wikimedia Commons
https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Italian_F-35s_train_at_Aviano,_strengthening_partnerships_(6665235).jpg<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

5. Italy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Italy has one of the most diverse F-35 fleets, with 75 F-35As and 20\u201340 F-35Bs ordered. Deliveries are well underway, with both the Italian Air Force and Navy operating the aircraft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The -A variant provides multirole strike capability, while the -B variant operates from the aircraft carrier Cavour<\/em>, restoring Italy\u2019s fixed-wing naval aviation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Italy is also unique for hosting one of only three F-35 final assembly facilities worldwide, at Cameri, which produces aircraft for Italy and other European customers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo: Staff Sgt. Jensen Stidham | Wikimedia Commons
https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Australian_airman_on_the_wing_of_a_F-35_in_August_2018.jpg<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4. Australia<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Australia is one of the few nations to have received its full F-35 order: 72 F-35As. By 2025, the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has fully transitioned from the F\/A-18A\/B Hornet to the Lightning II, with aircraft spread across multiple bases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The F-35 enhances Australia\u2019s long-range strike capability in the Indo-Pacific, operating with advanced AESA radars and standoff missiles like the JASSM-ER. Combined with strong interoperability with U.S. forces, Australia\u2019s fleet is a cornerstone of deterrence in the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo: Julian Herzog | Wikimedia Commons
https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:RAF_Lockheed_Martin_F-35A_Lightning_II_ZM163_Royal_International_Air_Tattoo_2024_01.jpg<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

3. United Kingdom<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The United Kingdom, a founding partner in the F-35 program, operates the short takeoff\/vertical landing F-35B. By 2025, it fields around 40 aircraft, with a total of 60\u201380 expected by the end of the decade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The UK\u2019s F-35Bs serve jointly with the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy, flying from land bases and the carriers HMS Queen Elizabeth<\/em> and HMS Prince of Wales<\/em>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the only Tier 1 partner in the program, the UK invested deeply in development and continues to emphasize carrier strike power. Its fleet is central to NATO operations and Indo-Pacific deployments alongside allies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo: www.aerospacemanufacturinganddesign.com<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

2. Japan<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Japan has emerged as the largest F-35 operator outside the United States, with an order for 147 aircraft: 105 F-35As and 42 F-35Bs. Deliveries are well underway, with over 60 operational by 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The F-35As are replacing Japan\u2019s aging F-4EJ Phantom and complementing upgraded F-15Js. Meanwhile, the F-35Bs will embark from the converted Izumo-class helicopter destroyers, giving Japan shipborne fixed-wing aviation for the first time since World War II. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

With regional tensions rising, Japan\u2019s fleet ensures it remains at the cutting edge of air defense and maritime strike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"F-35
Photo: USAF<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

1. United States<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The United States is by far the largest F-35 operator, accounting for more than two-thirds of global deliveries. By 2025, the U.S. Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps collectively operate several hundred aircraft across all three variants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n