Every South Korean Military Aircraft in Service (2026)
Overview
🇰🇷 South Korea operates 1,543 aircraft across 34 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 South Korean military aircraft ever operated.
Fleet size by branch
| Service | Active | Types |
|---|---|---|
| Republic of Korea Air Force | 727 | 23 |
| Republic of Korea Army | 716 | 10 |
| Republic of Korea Navy | 70 | 7 |
| Republic of Korea Marine Corps | 30 | 1 |
Fighters & Combat Aircraft
5 types · 314 active airframes · 140 on order.
Military Helicopters
15 types · 856 active airframes · 246 on order.
Transport & Tanker Aircraft
Special Mission Aircraft
3 types · 24 active airframes.
Trainers
3 types · 293 active airframes · 17 on order.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many aircraft does the South Korea military operate in 2026?
South Korea operates 1,543 aircraft across 34 distinct types as of 2026, split between 4 service branches.
Which South Korea service branch has the most aircraft?
The Republic of Korea Air Force operates the largest fleet with 727 active airframes across 23 types.
What is the most numerous South Korea military aircraft?
The Hughes MD-500 is the single most numerous airframe in South Korea's inventory, with 251 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.