Air Forces comparison: Germany vs United Kingdom
Germany operates 589 active military aircraft vs 640 for United Kingdom. The breakdown includes 224 vs 151 combat aircraft, 290 vs 259 helicopters, 70 vs 59 transport aircraft, 2 vs 156 trainers (Germany vs United Kingdom). Germany has 302 aircraft on order vs 41 for United Kingdom. The United Kingdom air force is officially the Royal Air Force.
German Air Force 🇩🇪
| Official Name | German Air Force |
| Local Name | Luftwaffe |
| Active aircraft | 589 as of 2026 |
| Aircraft on order | 302 |
| Roundel |
|
Royal Air Force 🇬🇧
| Official Name | Royal Air Force |
| Active aircraft | 640 as of 2026 |
| Aircraft on order | 41 |
| Roundel |
|
German aircraft by type
| Aircraft type | Active | |
|---|---|---|
Combat
|
224 | |
Bomber
|
0 | |
Helicopter
|
290 | |
Training
|
2 | |
Transport
|
70 | |
Other
|
3 | |
British aircraft by type
| Aircraft type | Active | |
|---|---|---|
|
Combat
|
151 | |
|
Bomber
|
0 | |
|
Helicopter
|
259 | |
|
Training
|
156 | |
|
Transport
|
59 | |
|
Other
|
15 | |
Evolution of German Air Force fleet
Evolution of British Air Force fleet
Aircraft Types Radar Comparison
Frequently Asked Questions
Which country has more military aircraft, Germany or United Kingdom?
United Kingdom has more military aircraft with 640 active aircraft compared to Germany's 589, a difference of 51 aircraft.
Which air force has more combat aircraft, Germany or United Kingdom?
Germany has more combat aircraft with 224 fighters and attack aircraft compared to United Kingdom's 151.
Which country has more military helicopters, Germany or United Kingdom?
Germany operates more military helicopters with 290 compared to United Kingdom's 259.
Which air force has more transport aircraft, Germany or United Kingdom?
Germany has more transport aircraft with 70 compared to United Kingdom's 59.
Which country has more aircraft on order, Germany or United Kingdom?
Germany has 302 aircraft on order compared to United Kingdom's 41.