Combat aircraft being produced in the United States are now overwhelmingly stealth aircraft, while many of China’s fighter jets are also stealth fighter jets. European countries and Russia are still mostly producing 4th-generation fighter jets with some stealthy or low-observable features. More than half of the world’s stealthy combat aircraft are F-35s, with Chinese J-20s and Lockheed Martin F-22s making up much of the remainder of the aircraft.

For the purposes of this article, only manned fighter jets and bombers will be considered. Stealthy (and secretive) unmanned aircraft, like the RQ-170 and RQ-180, are not considered. It is a real possibility that the F-35 will remain the world’s most common stealthy aircraft as future 6th-generation fighter jets are only expected to be procured in relatively low numbers. Here is what to know about the largest stealth combat fleets as of May 2026.

Stealth Vs Low Observable Aircraft

Credit: US Air Force

There is an important distinction between a “stealth” aircraft and a “low-observable” aircraft. Low observable aircraft are designed to reduce detection and their radar signatures in some respects, but are not built around all-aspect stealth as its core design philosophy. By comparison, stealth aircraft are built from the ground up centered on stealth. These typically carry munitions internally and are low observable across multiple spectra.

Importantly, stealth is not just passive hiding and deflecting radar returns by having a low RCS. It is also active in electronic warfare, including jamming, deploying virtual decoys, and more. They can actively fight back against detention systems. Another key aspect of stealth is limiting electronic emissions by networking with off-board platforms and having passive radars, as opposed to the Russian Su-35’s PESA radars with their highly visible radar beams.

For example, F-35s can network with non-stealthy 4th-generation aircraft and relay targeting data. This can allow the aircraft to remain hidden. Reducing infrared is also an incredibly important aspect of stealth aircraft, and so the placement of the engines, thermal management, and exhausts is an important factor.

Which Aircraft Count As A Stealth Aircraft?

Credit: US Air Force

The now-mostly retired F-117 Nighthawk can be better understood as a low-observable aircraft, not as a stealth aircraft. While it had a low radar cross-section, it was not stealthy in many other aspects. The first true stealth combat aircraft to enter service was the Northrop B-2 Spirit in 1997. It was followed by the F-22 Raptor in 2005, the F-35 in 2015, and the B-21, which is expected to enter service in 2027.

The only combat aircraft generally accepted to be a manned stealth aircraft in China are the J-20 Mighty Dragon (entered service 2017) and the J-35 (entered service 2025). China is developing its stealthy Xi’an H-20 strategic bomber, but as of May 2026, the program appears delayed, and there is no direct evidence of any representative flying examples.

The only combat Russian warplane that’s typically called a stealth aircraft is the Su-57 Felon. However, the Su-57 is better understood to be a low-observable aircraft with stealth features and is not considered a true stealth aircraft. Its design has prioritized maneuverability, speed, and weapons flexibility. Additionally, it remains immature, powered by previous-generation engines, and its internal weapons bays are not yet working. The Korean KF-21 is now entering service, and while it may superficially look like an F-35, it is a low-observable aircraft that Korea plans to evolve into a stealth aircraft with future block upgrades.

The United States Leads

Credit: US Air Force

The United States has by far the most manned stealth combat aircraft in service. It has 19 remaining operational B-2 Spirit bombers, 183 or so F-22 Raptors, over 850 F-35s, and at least two B-21 Raiders (used for testing). This gives the United States a fleet of around 1,000+ stealth fighter jets and bombers.

In mid-2025, the US Air Force was estimated to have received over 500 F-35A Lightning IIs, the Marine Corps had around 250 F-35B/Cs, and the US Navy had over 100 F-35Cs. Since then, Lockheed Martin has delivered dozens, perhaps 100, more stealthy F-35s across all three services. This means the US now operates close to 1,000 F-35s.

At the end of 2025, Lockheed Martin stated it had delivered almost 1,300 F-35s, including those for export. In May 2026, it has likely crossed the 1,300 mark. Lockheed managed to deliver a record 191 F-35s in 2025 to all customers, although these numbers were boosted by clearing out stored F-35s manufactured in previous years due to TR-3 upgrade delays. Its stable production rate is around 156+ fighter jets annually.

China Has The Second-Largest Stealthy Fleet

Credit: PLA MOD

The OSINT China-watching account, Hûrin, estimates that China produced 20-30 J-35s in 2025 and around 100 J-20s of different variants. During 2025, it was reported that a J-20 was spotted whose serial number suggested it was the 300th production example. It is not possible to estimate how many J-20s may or may not have been lost to mishaps due to China’s lack of transparency. This suggests it has a fleet of over 300, and possibly over 350 J-20s in service now.

A somewhat reasonable ballpark figure for China’s stealth aircraft is 350 to 400 jets, including J-35s. China is also known to be rapidly designing and prototyping next-generation Shenyang J-50 and Chengdu J-36 tailless fighter jets. These are often reported in the media as 6th-generation fighter jets, although their intended capabilities remain uncertain, and so it’s difficult to assess if they are better thought of as upgraded 5th-generation aircraft or true 6th-generation fighters in the sense that the USAF considers aircraft to be 6th generation.

The Chinese People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) remains an air force in transition, with it still moving away from obsolete aircraft designs like the MiG-21-derived J-7 fighter. While China is rapidly phasing its old aircraft out, it is not necessarily fully retiring them. Some old aircraft types, like the MiG-19-derived J-6 fighter, are reportedly being transformed into one-way attack drones/cruise missiles.

Australia & Other F-35-Equipped Air Forces

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The country with the third-largest fleet of stealth combat aircraft is Australia; this may be surprising to many readers. Australia completed its deliveries for 72 F-35A fighter jets in December 2024, equipping three squadrons. At the same time, Australia has decided to cancel orders for a planned batch of 28 that would have grown the fleet to 100 fighter jets. Australia is now planning to rely on its fleet of 24 Super Hornets, 12 Growlers, and keep its options open for a new aircraft type like the upcoming Tempest/GCAP.

Coming in fourth place is Norway, which has become the first nation to complete its F-35 program of record and has received all 52 fighter jets. If it weren’t for a Royal Navy F-35B falling off an aircraft carrier, fifth place would currently be tied between the UK and Israel. Both have received 48 F-35s. The UK has completed its initial order for 48 aircraft and is expected to soon place another order to bring its fleet to 72.

Israel is set to receive the last two examples of its 50-unit order and is increasing its orders to a total of 100 F-35s. Note that it is possible Israel lost F-35s in 2025 or 2026 in its conflict with Iran, but there are no credible reports to suggest that. Next is the Netherlands, which has received up to 48 of its 52-jet order. The Netherlands had received 40 F-35s by March 2025. Japan has also received at least 40 F-35s, South Korea also has around 40, while Italy has over 26.

Russia: The Obligatory Mention

Credit: PLA MOD

While Russia does not belong on a list of top air forces by stealth aircraft, readers may be expecting it to be mentioned. As stated, Russia does not have a true stealth fighter or bomber in service. The Su-57 is better understood as a low-observable aircraft with stealth characteristics. However, even if Russia’s Su-57 is considered a stealth fighter, it doesn’t exist in the numbers needed to place Russia in the top five.

According to think-tank Rusi’s Justin Bronks, Russia had around 20 Su-57s in service by the start of 2026. Not only does this place Russia behind the US (including the US Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy separately) and China, but also Australia, Israel, the United Kingdom, Norway, the Netherlands, Japan, South Korea, and Italy. More Su-57s are known to have been delivered in 2026, including a “large batch.” At the same time, Ukraine claims to have damaged or destroyed two examples on the ground in a drone strike in 2026 (in addition to the example it damaged in 2024).

Released satellite imagery appears to show some damage; it is not possible to assess the extent of the damage and whether the aircraft can be easily repaired. Russia is also reported to be developing a next-generation stealth bomber. However, that appears to be little more than a propaganda program that lacks credible funding. More telling is Russia putting its old Soviet-era Tu-160 prestige bomber back into production.