Air Forces comparison: 
Japan vs 
South Korea
Force Profile
| Japan | South Korea | |
|---|---|---|
| Official name | Japan Air Self-Defense Force | Republic of Korea Air Force |
| Local name | 空自 (Kūji) | 공군 (Gong-gun) |
| Active aircraft | 1,399 (2026) | 1,543 (2026) |
| Aircraft on order | +317 | +410 |
| Roundel |  |
 |
Aircraft Types Radar Comparison
Aircraft by Type
🇯🇵 Japanas of 2026
🇰🇷 South Koreaas of 2026
Fleet Evolution
🇯🇵 Japan
🇰🇷 South Korea
Overview
Japan operates 1,399 active military aircraft vs 1,543 for South Korea.
The breakdown includes 331 vs 374 combat aircraft, 533 vs 856 helicopters, 114 vs 56 transport aircraft, 296 vs 233 trainers (Japan vs South Korea). Japan has 317 aircraft on order vs 410 for South Korea.
The Japan air force is officially the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, while South Korea's is the Republic of Korea Air Force .
Frequently Asked Questions
Which country has more military aircraft, Japan or South Korea?
South Korea has more military aircraft with 1,543 active aircraft compared to Japan's 1,399, a difference of 144 aircraft.
Which air force has more combat aircraft, Japan or South Korea?
South Korea has more combat aircraft with 374 fighters and attack aircraft compared to Japan's 331.
Which country has more military helicopters, Japan or South Korea?
South Korea operates more military helicopters with 856 compared to Japan's 533.
Which air force has more transport aircraft, Japan or South Korea?
Japan has more transport aircraft with 114 compared to South Korea's 56.
How do the Japan and South Korea air forces compare in size?
Japan's air force is 2.0 times larger than South Korea's in terms of total active aircraft (114 vs 56).
Which country has more aircraft on order, Japan or South Korea?
South Korea has 410 aircraft on order compared to Japan's 317.