Egypt
With 1,028 aircraft, the Egyptian Air Force has the 10th largest number of aircraft in the world. Among them, there are nearly 200 US F-16 aircraft, about 30 Russian MiG-29 aircraft and 75 old French Mirage 5 aircraft in service with the Egyptian Air Force.
In 2015, Egypt began renewing its aircraft by ordering 24 Rafales, followed by another 30 Rafales in 2021. This is the first foreign country to order French fighter jets. Egypt also operates nearly 300 combat and transport helicopters.
France
The French Air Force has nearly 1,200 aircraft, including some of the most modern aircraft in the world. Among them, France owns more than 100 Rafales (this number will increase to 194 by 2030) and about 90 Mirage 2000s.
France has also modernized its tanker fleet, and replaced the Boeing KC-135s that have been in use for nearly 60 years with completely new Airbus A330-MRTTs. The French Air Force and Space Forces, in addition to possessing about 100 multi-role helicopters, also have 13 military intelligence and surveillance satellites.
A decisive step by the French Air Force when ordering Rafale aircraft. Photo: cnews.fr
Türkiye
As a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) since February 18, 1952, Türkiye is a long-time ally of the United States. And the aircraft component of the Turkish air force proves it. The country has 235 F-16s, of which 79 will be modernized and 49 F-4Es.
Turkish arms industry group Turkish Aerospaces Industries has been developing the latest generation stealth fighter TAI TF Kaan for many years. The introduction of TAI TF Kaan, expected in 2027, will create significant strength for the Turkish Air Force.
North Korea
The Korean People’s Air Force is estimated to have about 1,300 aircraft, including 564 combat aircraft. However, the majority of North Korea’s fighter aircraft, such as the Shenyang F-5, F-6 and F-7, were supplied by China from the 1950s to 1960s. The Korean People’s Air Force also has 56 aircraft in service. MiG-23s and 35 MiG-29s were delivered by the Soviet Union in the 1970s and 1980s. However, the Korean People’s Air Force had no cargo or tanker aircraft, which limited their combat capabilities. combat aircrafts.
Korea
South Korea owns 1,274 aircraft, including 538 combat aircraft. South Korea’s main force includes 153 F-5s, 118 F-16s and 38 F-35As, the latest generation fighter aircraft designed in the US.
The Korean Air Force is also fielding 60 domestically designed KAI FA-50 fighter jets and is currently developing its own stealth fighter, the KAI KF-21. The Korean Air Force also has four Airbus A330 MRTT tankers in its ranks and can count on the support of US military intelligence.
The US and South Korean Air Forces regularly show off their strength. Photo: Korean Ministry of National Defense/AFP