How Many US Fighter Jets Are There?
The United States Air Force (USAF) is renowned for its impressive fleet of fighter jets, which play a crucial role in maintaining global security and projecting American power. With a history of innovation and technological advancement, the USAF has been at the forefront of fighter jet development. But just how many US fighter jets are there, and what types are they? Let’s delve into the fascinating world of American fighter jets and uncover the numbers behind this formidable force.
The USAF currently operates a diverse range of fighter jets, each designed to fulfill specific missions and requirements. The total number of US fighter jets can be broken down into several categories, including active duty, reserve, and inactive aircraft.
Active Duty Fighter Jets
The active duty fighter fleet is the backbone of the USAF’s combat capabilities. As of 2021, the active duty fighter jet inventory includes the following types:
1. F-15 Eagle: The F-15 is a long-range, all-weather tactical fighter jet that has been in service since the 1970s. It is one of the most capable air superiority fighters in the world.
2. F-16 Fighting Falcon: The F-16 is a versatile multirole fighter jet that has been a staple of the USAF since the 1980s. It is known for its agility, speed, and ease of maintenance.
3. F-22 Raptor: The F-22 is a fifth-generation fighter jet designed for air superiority and advanced stealth capabilities. It is one of the most advanced fighter jets in the world.
4. F-35 Lightning II: The F-35 is a multirole fighter jet that is being introduced into the USAF fleet. It is designed to replace the F-16 and F-15, and it offers advanced stealth, sensor fusion, and network-centric warfare capabilities.
The total number of active duty fighter jets in the USAF as of 2021 is approximately 1,847, including all the aforementioned types.
Reserve Fighter Jets
The USAF Reserve Component, known as the Air National Guard (ANG) and the Air Force Reserve (AFR), also operates a significant number of fighter jets. These aircraft are ready to deploy in times of need. The reserve fighter jet inventory includes:
1. F-15 Eagle: The ANG and AFR operate a substantial number of F-15s, which are used for air superiority and defensive missions.
2. F-16 Fighting Falcon: The ANG and AFR have a large fleet of F-16s, which are used for a variety of missions, including air superiority, ground attack, and reconnaissance.
The total number of reserve fighter jets is estimated to be around 1,200, with the majority being F-15s and F-16s.
Inactive Fighter Jets
Inactive fighter jets are those that have been retired from active service but are still maintained in case they are needed again. The USAF has a significant number of inactive fighter jets, including:
1. F-15 Eagle: Many retired F-15s are kept in an inactive status, ready to be reactivated if necessary.
2. F-16 Fighting Falcon: Similar to the F-15, a large number of retired F-16s are stored in inactive status.
The exact number of inactive fighter jets is not readily available, but it is estimated to be in the thousands.
In conclusion, the USAF operates a substantial number of fighter jets, with the active duty fleet numbering around 1,847. The reserve component adds another 1,200 fighter jets, and the inactive fleet is in the thousands. These aircraft are essential to the USAF’s mission of maintaining global security and projecting American power.
