Few military aircraft have dramatically rebuilt the world’s air forces as dramatically as the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II. The jet first flew in 2006, has since become the world’s most prolific fifth-generation fighter jet.
Currently, over 1,200 F-35s are in use in 20 countries, making them the first true multinational stealth fighter. In this article, we will look at the top 10 countries in the F-35 fleet size. We also explore why these numbers are important for the future of global security.
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10. Denmark
Denmark is the latest NATO country to join the F-35 club and has ordered the 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 US for training.
Denmark’s F-35 replaces the F-16 fleet, allowing for more powerful participation in NATO’s Baltic and Arctic air police missions. The fleet may be modest in size, but for a country with a small air force, the Lightning II offers a generational leap in capabilities.
9. South Korea
Korea has ordered 60 F-35A Lightning II by 2025. By 2025, nearly 40 have been in operation. Seoul views aircraft as a key component of its defense against North Korea’s missiles and nuclear programs.
Operated from a hardened air base, the Korean F-35 brings advanced strike capabilities with precision guided ammunition, long range sensors, and a stealth profile suitable for penetrating significantly defended airspace.
Plans to acquire additional F-35Bs for shipbuilding operations are also being discussed, which further expands the flexibility of the fleet.
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8. Netherlands
The Royal Dutch Air Force has transitioned its fighter fleet from an F-16 with over 40 people delivered by 2025 to a 52 ordered F-35A. These aircraft are at the heart of the Dutch NATO commitment, including rapid response missions and exercises across Europe.
The Netherlands was one of the early partners in the Co-Strike Fighter Program, whose pilots quickly integrated the aircraft into their multinational operations.
Though the Dutch fleet is relatively small, it is perfectly aligned with NATO’s air power strategy and is interoperable along with its larger allies.
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7. Norway
Norway completed the delivery of 52 F-35AS, being one of the first European countries, earning the full Lightning II fleet. The Norwegian F-35 operates from the air bases of Ørland and Evens and is tasked with protecting the north flank of NATO and operating in challenging Arctic conditions.
The aircraft replaces the F-16 with a mandate of rapid response alerts and plays a central role in monitoring Russian activities near the north. With full integration into NATO’s command network, the Norwegian F-35 offers both deterrent and quick response capabilities.
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6. Israel
Israel ordered around 75 F-35s, of which nearly 50 were delivered by 2025. The Israeli F-35A fleet, known locally as “Adil” (Mighty), is customized with indigenous Avion, weapons and electronic warfare systems.
In 2018, the Israeli Air Force was the first in the world to use a Middle Eastern F-35 in a combat operation.
The fusion of aircraft stealth and sensors gives Israel a critical advantage over regional enemies, but ongoing upgrades allow Adir to control the drone in future operations.
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5. Italy
Italy has one of the most diverse F-35 fleets, with 75 F-35AS and 20-40 F-35BS being ordered. Delivery is on track as both the Italian Air Force and the Navy operate the aircraft.
The -A variant provides multi-roll strike functionality, while the -B variant works from the aircraft’s Caviar Cabul and restores Italian fixed-wing naval aviation.
Italy is also a Camelli that produces aircraft for Italian and other European customers, and is unique to host one of the three F-35 final meeting facilities around the world.
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4. Australia
Australia is one of the few countries that have received all orders for F-35s: the 72 F-35AS. By 2025, the Australian Air Force (RAAF) had completely moved from the F/A-18A/B Hornet to the Lightning II, with aircraft spreading across multiple bases.
The F-35 enhances Australia’s long-range strike capabilities in the Indo-Pacific and operates with advanced AESA radars and stand-off missiles like the Jassm-Er. The Australian fleet, combined with strong interoperability with the US military, is the basis for deterrence in the region.
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3. England
The UK, the founding partner of the F-35 programme, operates a short takeoff/vertical landing F-35B. By 2025, it will have around 40 aircraft, with a total of 60-80 aircraft expected by the end of the decade.
The British F-35BS serves jointly with the Army and Royal Navy, flying from land and airlines HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales.
As the program’s sole tier 1 partner, the UK has invested heavily in development and continues to emphasize the power of career strikes. That fleet is with its allies, with the centre of NATO operations and the deployment of the Indo-Pacific.
2. Japan
Japan appeared as the largest F-35 operator outside the US, ordering 147 F-35AS and 42 F-35BS. Delivery is ongoing and by 2025 there will be over 60 operations.
The F-35AS replaces the Japanese aging F-4EJ phantom and complements the upgraded F-15JS. Meanwhile, the F-35BS begins with a converted pond intermediate helicopter destroyer, offering Japan Shipbuilding Fixed Wing Airlines for the first time since World War II.
With growing regional tensions, the Japanese fleet ensures that they remain at the cutting edge of air defense and maritime attacks.
1. US
The US is by far the largest F-35 operator, accounting for more than two-thirds of global delivery. By 2025, the US Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps will gather and operate hundreds of aircraft in all three variations.
F-35A (USAF): Over 400 people have been distributed, with a total of 1,763 plans. F-35B (USMC): A short takeoff/vertical landing jet deployed from an amphibious ship and forward base. F-35C (USN & USMC): A carrier-based variant integrated into the US Navy wing.
The US F-35 is deployed worldwide, from the eastern side of Europe to Indo-Pacific airlines. Block 4 upgrades, advanced data links, and next-generation engines are under development to keep the fleet ahead of its peer enemy.
Quick Snapshots of Rankings
Source: Simple Flying
Conclusion
The F-35 is more than just a fighter. Its true power lies in the global network it creates – flying the same stealth platform, sharing tactics and integrating logistics.
In future conflicts, whether it’s Europe, the Middle East or the Indo-Pacific, the decisive factor could be not the fleet of a single country, but the collective strength of the interoperable fifth generation coalition.
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