Air power is one of the defining traits that makes for military might in the last century. If you control the skies, you control the battlefield. NATO is one of the most powerful military alliances in the world, so let’s take a closer look at their air capabilities.
Is Airpower Vital?
It certainly is, especially when you consider the modern needs of the battlefield. Air superiority was already a defining doctrine during the Second World War, and as technology advances, it is only set to become more important with each passing year.
Do All NATO Nations Field the Same Planes?
There is some commonality between allies, but it is important to note the differences as well. Some nations, like France, rely entirely on domestically developed airframes to wage war. This has been a noted push since the 1950s to end the reliance on US exports.
21. Denmark
- Military aircraft on order: 17
- Types of aircraft on order: F-35A
- Total military aircraft: 119
- Total attack aircraft: 4
- Total helicopters: 34
20. Bulgaria
- Military aircraft on order: 18
- Types of aircraft on order: F-16V, H215m/AS532
- Total military aircraft: 65
- Total attack aircraft: 5
- Total helicopters: 27
19. Norway
- Military aircraft on order: 25
- Types of aircraft on order: F-35A, S-70, AW101
- Total military aircraft: 102
- Total attack aircraft: 30
- Total helicopters: 37
18. Slovakia
- Military aircraft on order: 26
- Types of aircraft on order: AH-1Z, F-16V
- Total military aircraft: 37
- Total attack aircraft: 0
- Total helicopters: 22
17. Hungary
- Military aircraft on order: 28
- Types of aircraft on order: H225M, L-39NG
- Total military aircraft: 62
- Total attack aircraft: 0
- Total helicopters: 38
16. Belgium
- Military aircraft on order: 35
- Types of aircraft on order: A400M, F-35A
- Total military aircraft: 110
- Total attack aircraft: 0
- Total helicopters: 20
15. Netherlands
- Military aircraft on order: 37
- Types of aircraft on order: F-35A, H225M
- Total military aircraft: 143
- Total attack aircraft: 26
- Total helicopters: 66
14. Czechia
- Military aircraft on order: 51
- Types of aircraft on order: AH-1Z, F-35A, UH-1Y
- Total military aircraft: 88
- Total attack aircraft: 16
- Total helicopters: 33
13. Finland
- Military aircraft on order: 64
- Types of aircraft on order: F-35A
- Total military aircraft: 164
- Total attack aircraft: 0
- Total helicopters: 27
12. Greece
- Military aircraft on order: 74
- Types of aircraft on order: Rafale, S-70, NH90
- Total military aircraft: 632
- Total attack aircraft: 0
- Total helicopters: 289
11. Sweden
- Military aircraft on order: 77
- Types of aircraft on order: Gripen E
- Total military aircraft: 212
- Total attack aircraft: 0
- Total helicopters: 53
10. Spain
- Military aircraft on order: 123
- Types of aircraft on order: Eurofighter, NH90, S-70
- Total military aircraft: 513
- Total attack aircraft: 12
- Total helicopters: 121
9. Canada
- Military aircraft on order: 127
- Types of aircraft on order: F-35, S-92, AW101
- Total military aircraft: 375
- Total attack aircraft: 0
- Total helicopters: 143
8. United Kingdom
- Military aircraft on order: 136
- Types of aircraft on order: AH-64, CH-47, F-35B
- Total military aircraft: 664
- Total attack aircraft: 29
- Total helicopters: 276
7. Romania
- Military aircraft on order: 140
- Types of aircraft on order: AH-1z, F-16A, F-35A
- Total military aircraft: 131
- Total attack aircraft: 0
- Total helicopters: 67
6. Italy
- Military aircraft on order: 177
- Types of aircraft on order: AW101, AW249, F-35A/B
- Total military aircraft: 800
- Total attack aircraft: 67
- Total helicopters: 402
5. Germany
- Military aircraft on order: 187
- Types of aircraft on order: Eurofighter, F-35A
- Total military aircraft: 618
- Total attack aircraft: 76
- Total helicopters: 318
4. Poland
- Military aircraft on order: 238
- Aircraft Currently On Order: AH-64, AW101, F-35A
- Total military aircraft: 468
- Total attack aircraft: 34
- Total helicopters: 215
3. Turkey
- Military aircraft on order: 246
- Types of aircraft on order: Hurkus C, S/T-70
- Total military aircraft: 1,069
- Total attack aircraft: 0
- Total helicopters: 502
2. France
- Military aircraft on order: 377
- Types of aircraft on order: H160, H225M, Rafale
- Total military aircraft: 972
- Total attack aircraft: 0
- Total helicopters: 447
1. United States
- Military aircraft on order: 3,921
- Types of aircraft on order: AH-64, F-35, S-70
- Total military aircraft: 13,209
- Total attack aircraft: 896
- Total helicopters: 5,737
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