Air Forces comparison: United Arab Emirates vs United Kingdom
United Arab Emirates operates 548 active military aircraft vs 640 for United Kingdom. The breakdown includes 135 vs 151 combat aircraft, 264 vs 259 helicopters, 55 vs 59 transport aircraft, 86 vs 156 trainers (United Arab Emirates vs United Kingdom). United Arab Emirates has 267 aircraft on order vs 41 for United Kingdom. The United Arab Emirates air force is officially the United Arab Emirates Air Force, while United Kingdom's is the Royal Air Force.
United Arab Emirates Air Force 🇦🇪
| Official Name | United Arab Emirates Air Force |
| Local Name | القوات الجوية والدفاع الجوي الإماراتية (Al Quwwāt al Jawwīyah wal Difāʿ al Jawwī al Imārātīyah) |
| Active aircraft | 548 as of 2026 |
| Aircraft on order | 267 |
| Roundel |
|
Royal Air Force 🇬🇧
| Official Name | Royal Air Force |
| Active aircraft | 640 as of 2026 |
| Aircraft on order | 41 |
| Roundel |
|
Emirati aircraft by type
| Aircraft type | Active | |
|---|---|---|
Combat
|
135 | |
Bomber
|
0 | |
Helicopter
|
264 | |
Training
|
86 | |
Transport
|
55 | |
Other
|
8 | |
British aircraft by type
| Aircraft type | Active | |
|---|---|---|
|
Combat
|
151 | |
|
Bomber
|
0 | |
|
Helicopter
|
259 | |
|
Training
|
156 | |
|
Transport
|
59 | |
|
Other
|
15 | |
Evolution of Emirati Air Force fleet
Evolution of British Air Force fleet
Aircraft Types Radar Comparison
Frequently Asked Questions
Which country has more military aircraft, United Arab Emirates or United Kingdom?
United Kingdom has more military aircraft with 640 active aircraft compared to United Arab Emirates's 548, a difference of 92 aircraft.
Which air force has more combat aircraft, United Arab Emirates or United Kingdom?
United Kingdom has more combat aircraft with 151 fighters and attack aircraft compared to United Arab Emirates's 135.
Which country has more military helicopters, United Arab Emirates or United Kingdom?
United Arab Emirates operates more military helicopters with 264 compared to United Kingdom's 259.
Which air force has more transport aircraft, United Arab Emirates or United Kingdom?
United Kingdom has more transport aircraft with 59 compared to United Arab Emirates's 55.
Which country has more aircraft on order, United Arab Emirates or United Kingdom?
United Arab Emirates has 267 aircraft on order compared to United Kingdom's 41.