Every Japanese Military Aircraft in Service (2026)
Overview
🇯🇵 Japan operates 1,399 aircraft across 29 distinct types as of 2026. This page assembles every type currently in active service — fighters, bombers, helicopters, transports, trainers, and unmanned systems — with profile drawings, operating branch, and fleet counts. For the full historical list including retired types, see every Japanese military aircraft ever operated.
Fleet size by branch
| Service | Active | Types |
|---|---|---|
| Japan Air Self-Defence Force | 745 | 16 |
| Japan Ground Self-Defence Force | 382 | 9 |
| Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force | 272 | 10 |
Fighters & Combat Aircraft
3 types · 331 active airframes · 100 on order.
Military Helicopters
8 types · 533 active airframes · 161 on order.
Transport & Tanker Aircraft
Special Mission Aircraft
6 types · 125 active airframes · 9 on order.
Trainers
4 types · 296 active airframes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many aircraft does the Japan military operate in 2026?
Japan operates 1,399 aircraft across 29 distinct types as of 2026, split between 3 service branches.
Which Japan service branch has the most aircraft?
The Japan Air Self-Defence Force operates the largest fleet with 745 active airframes across 16 types.
What is the most numerous Japan military aircraft?
The Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk is the single most numerous airframe in Japan's inventory, with 201 active units.
Does this page include retired or stored aircraft?
No. Counts reflect airframes on active inventory in the most recent fleet snapshot. Retired, stored and test-only aircraft are excluded.