Comparison of the Chinese Air Force with the US, Russia, France, the UK, India, and Canada: personnel, fifth generation, capabilities, budgets, and strategic priorities.
Quantitative overview of fleets
The PLAAF is now one of the three largest air forces in the world in terms of volume. Recent data indicates that there are approximately 3,309 active military aircraft in China, compared to 13,043 in the United States, 4,292 for Russia, 2,229 for India and 976 for France. The United Kingdom and Canada operate smaller but highly standardized NATO fleets. When it comes to fighter jets, the scale changes again: approximately 2,679 combat aircraft for the United States, 1,583 for China, 1,522 for Russia, and 643 for India. These volumes structure the order of battle, parts inventories, training, and sustainability.
Beyond fighters, critical mass can also be seen in special fleets (AEW&C, electronic warfare, ISR), tankers, and transport. The United States has approximately 605 tanker aircraft, while China has only a dozen in service according to official figures. France has 16, the United Kingdom 9, and Russia 19. In special missions, China has 112 active platforms (AEW, reconnaissance, patrol), India 74, France 44, and the United Kingdom 28. These figures summarize a crucial difference in range and command and control that is essential for operational capability.
Fifth-generation aircraft: a capability indicator
Superiority in fifth-generation aircraft has a direct impact on deep penetration, survivability, and information superiority.
- China (PLAAF): the J-20 is now deployed in several brigades. Credible open assessments estimate approximately ≈195 J-20s operational by mid-2024, with a visible ramp-up in the Eastern and Southern theaters. The PLAAF is also experimenting with a two-seat J-20 for swarm management, ISR extension, and long-range fire support.
- United States: The USAF fields F-22 (178) and F-35A (≈246) aircraft. The US Navy operates F-35C (≈41) aircraft, and the US Marine Corps operates ** F-35B/C** (≈122), while gradually phasing out AV-8B and F/A-18C/D aircraft. The F-35 ecosystem, networks, and onboard electronic warfare capabilities are a major asset.
- United Kingdom: The RAF operates F-35B (≈31) aircraft on the Queen Elizabeth/Prince of Wales aircraft carriers and modernized Typhoon (≈113) aircraft for air-to-air/air-to-ground missions.
- France: no 5th generation platform, but a Rafale fleet undergoing incremental modernization (F3-R/F4) and a national order for 42 additional Rafales (tranche 5) deliverable from 2027, ensuring industrial endurance.
- India: no 5th generation in service. The IAF combines Su-30MKI, MiG-29UPG, Mirage 2000 and Rafale, with the ramp-up of LCA Tejas (Mk 1/1A) and AMCA/Tejas Mk 2 programs to come.
- Russia: Su-57 still in limited numbers (≈24 active), alongside a considerable fleet of Su-27/30/35 and Su-34. Losses in Ukraine and industrial constraints are slowing down the pace.
- Canada: no 5th generation aircraft in service yet, but 88 F-35As ordered with deliveries starting in 2026, and an overhaul of ISR/MPA capabilities with P-8As.
Sensors, AEW&C, and information superiority
The PLAAF has invested heavily in the AEW–refueling–ISR triad. It is deploying KJ-500 (AESA radar on Y-9), KJ-200, and KJ-2000 to create a multi-layered detection bubble, supported by WZ-7 (HALE) and WZ-8 (very high altitude and high speed reconnaissance) drones. In terms of range relays, the YU-20s supplement a still limited stock of Il-78s. These building blocks reinforce the C2 architecture and persistence over the straits.
Among NATO allies, AEW interoperability is mature: E-3 aircraft from the USAF and France (in transition to other solutions), the arrival of E-7 Wedgetail aircraft in the United Kingdom, NATO-standardized data networks and A330 MRTT refueling aircraft (France, United Kingdom). The USAF dominates both orders of magnitude in refueling (more than 600 aircraft), which multiplies the number of sorties in theater and the tactical range of fighters.
Budgets and industrial effort
- United States: the DoD‘s FY2025 budget request is $849.8 billion. It funds initial B-21 production, combat aviation, ISR, and electronic warfare, with a clear priority on the Indo-Pacific constraint.
- China: the official 2025 defense budget is CNY 1,784.665 billion (≈$249 billion at current rates), up 7.2%. These amounts support the ramp-up of aircraft/DRONES, the AEW network, Y-20 transport, and projection.
- United Kingdom: spending increased to £56.9 billion in 2024/25 and then £59.8 billion in 2025/26, with a target of 2.5% of GDP by 2027.
- France: the 2025 Defense mission stands at €50.5 billion (excluding pensions), the second year of the 2024-2030 Military Planning Law, with a marked effort on availability, ammunition, and A330 MRTT/Rafale deliveries.
- India: the 2024-25 budget amounts to INR 6.21 lakh crore (≈$75 billion), with an emphasis on indigenization (Tejas, radars, missiles) and air base infrastructure.
- Russia: 2024 military spending climbs to RUB 13.5 trillion (≈6% of GDP), reflecting a war economy and continued support for tactical aviation and ground-to-air defense, despite losses.
- Canada: The 2024-25 budget trajectory indicates CAD 41.0 billion, with a gradual increase to 1.4% of GDP by the end of the decade and prioritization of NORAD, F-35, and P-8A.
Components by country: types and useful volumes
PLAAF (China)
The 4th+ generation fighter fleet is based on modernized J-10, J-11, J-16, and Su-27/30/35 aircraft, supplemented by JH-7A attack aircraft. The J-20 provides credible LO (low observable) capability: penetration, active ISR, data fusion, and increasing use of very long-range air-to-air missiles. In support, approximately 14 KJ-500, 11 KJ-200 and 4 KJ-2000 aircraft provide early warning, while the YU-20 fleet is being expanded. The Y-20 strategic transport aircraft increase logistical range, including rapid airlifts. Points to watch: * Refueling capabilities still limited*, maturity of overseas support and combat experience limited compared to Western forces.
The United States
The USAF and naval aviation components maintain a quantitative and qualitative advantage in 5th generation (F-22/F-35), AEW&C, refueling, and EW. Standardization and networks (Link-16, MADL, JADC2) cement informational superiority, while the industrial base supports volume, modernization, and long-range munitions (JASSM-ER, AARGM-ER).
The United Kingdom
The RAF combines multi-role Typhoon and F-35B carrier-based aircraft, with the arrival of E-7 for AEW&C and Voyager for refueling. The focus is on NATO interoperability, maritime projection, and territorial air defense.
France
The Armée de l’Air et de l’Espace (Air and Space Force) is centered around Rafale (F3-R/F4), Mirage 2000D/-5, A330 MRTT Phénix, and an AEW (E-3F) component in transition. Upcoming deliveries of Rafale (42) will consolidate endurance. Priorities: fleet availability, ammunition replenishment, European cooperation, and preparation for the next generation (SCAF/NGF).
India
The IAF remains multilingual: Su-30MKI (≈265), MiG-29, Mirage 2000, Rafale (36) and LCA Tejas ramping up. Strengths: volume, national industrial depth, adaptation to a dual front (China/Pakistan). Challenges: standardization, availability, and pace of new Tejas/AMCA batches.
Russia
The VKS retains a large number of Su-27/30/35 fighters and Su-34 attack aircraft. Production and maintenance constraints and attrition in Ukraine are weighing on availability. Refueling aircraft and AEW A-50/A-50U remain in modest numbers compared to the needs of a very large theater.
Canada
The RCAF is still operating CF-18s while awaiting the arrival of the F-35As (88 ordered). Efforts are focused on northern sovereignty (NORAD), maritime surveillance (P-8A), search and rescue, and integration with allied networks.
Strategic priorities: where is the PLAAF really strong?
- A2/AD and straits: the PLAAF excels in a regional posture centered on the Taiwan Strait, the East China Sea, and the South China Sea. Patrols combining J-10/J-16/J-20, KJ-500, and refueling aircraft increase air density, long-range detection, and the potential saturation of enemy defenses.
- Information superiority: the J-20‘s sensor-effect integration (WZ-7 HALE drones, WZ-8 reconnaissance, EW pods) and data fusion respond to the Western network-centric approach, while relying on a very dense ground-to-air system above the coastline.
- Projection and endurance: this is still a weak point. The PLAAF’s stock of refueling aircraft remains limited, as does its experience of prolonged operations far from its bases. In contrast, the United States and its allies have deep air logistics, NATO hubs, and a multi-theater OPEX culture.
- Industry and pace: China is accelerating deliveries of J-20 and Y-20 aircraft and investing in AESA radars, domestic engines, and avionics. The allies compensate with integration quality, availability of precision munitions, electronic warfare, and training.
What the figures really say about the PLAAF–USA/Canada/UK/India/France/Russia comparison
- In terms of fighter volume, the PLAAF exceeds Russia and India and is mechanically approaching US standards in terms of numbers. But logistical mass, crew quality, interoperability, and supply still set the United States apart.
- In 5th generation, China is closing the gap with the J-20 (≈195), while the United States already deploys a large joint F-35 fleet and the F-22, which remains dominant in air-to-air combat. The United Kingdom is capitalizing on the F-35B and shipboard operations. France is banking on the Rafale upgrade (F4/F5) and the SCAF program, India on Tejas/AMCA, and Russia on a slow ramp-up of the Su-57.
- In AEW/ISR/refueling, the difference is clear: the PLAAF has made progress (KJ-500, YU-20), but NATO retains a significant lead in fleet density, command networks, and availability.
- In terms of defense budget, the United States remains in first place (≈$849.8 billion), China is growing rapidly (CNY 1,784.665 billion, +7.2%), the United Kingdom and France are consolidating their trajectories, India is investing in indigenous capabilities, Russia is maintaining an exceptional effort linked to the conflict, and Canada is prioritizing NORAD and fleet renewal.
Challenges and areas for improvement for the PLAAF
- Air-to-air refueling: key to extending the range of the J-20/J-16 beyond the first archipelago. The number of YU-20 aircraft will need to be increased quickly and procedures standardized on a large scale.
- Operational experience: the PLAAF is accumulating hours of presence around Taiwan and in the China Sea, but lags behind in multi-theater tempo management and long-range projection, which Western forces have mastered.
- Interoperability and networked warfare: China is making progress (sensors, links, fusion), but NATO redundancy (allied sensors, relays, stocks, sustainability) still makes the difference.
- Engine industry: complete substitution for foreign engine manufacturers and the maturity of domestic turbofans will determine the actual performance (specific thrust, reliability, MTBF) of future batches of J-20s.
Key takeaways
The PLAAF is already very powerful in the Indo-Pacific region, with a fighter fleet comparable in size to that of the major powers, an accelerated rise to 5th generation and a now robust sensor-effect architecture. Compared to the United States and its allies, the gap lies in logistics, supply chains, OPEX experience, AEW density, and quality of combat readiness. If the current trajectory continues—budget increases, J-20/Y-20 deliveries, and more KJ-500s—China will further close the regional gap. But expeditionary combat capability and multi-month sustainability away from bases remain, in the short term, the true test of overall air power.
War Wings Daily is an independant magazine.