Air Forces comparison: New Zealand vs United Kingdom

Royal New Zealand Air Force 🇳🇿

Official Name Royal New Zealand Air Force
Active aircraft42 as of 2026
Aircraft on order6
Roundel

Roundel of New Zealand air force

Royal Air Force 🇬🇧

Official Name Royal Air Force
Active aircraft631 as of 2026
Aircraft on order139
Roundel

Roundel of United Kingdom air force

New Zealand aircraft by type

Aircraft type Active
Combat Combat 0
Bomber Bomber 0
Helicopter Helicopter 21
Training Training 11
Transport Transport 8
UAV UAV 0
Other Other 2

British aircraft by type

Aircraft type Active
Combat Combat 144
Bomber Bomber 0
Helicopter Helicopter 266
Training Training 156
Transport Transport 52
UAV UAV 0
Other Other 13

Evolution of New Zealand Air Force fleet

Evolution of British Air Force fleet

Aircraft Types Radar Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

Which country has more military aircraft, New Zealand or United Kingdom?
United Kingdom has more military aircraft with 631 active aircraft compared to New Zealand's 42, a difference of 589 aircraft.
Which air force has more combat aircraft, New Zealand or United Kingdom?
United Kingdom has more combat aircraft with 144 fighters and attack aircraft compared to New Zealand's 0.
Which country has more military helicopters, New Zealand or United Kingdom?
United Kingdom operates more military helicopters with 266 compared to New Zealand's 21.
Which air force has more transport aircraft, New Zealand or United Kingdom?
United Kingdom has more transport aircraft with 52 compared to New Zealand's 8.
How do the New Zealand and United Kingdom air forces compare in size?
United Kingdom's air force is 6.5 times larger than New Zealand's in terms of total active aircraft (52 vs 8).
Which country has more aircraft on order, New Zealand or United Kingdom?
United Kingdom has 139 aircraft on order compared to New Zealand's 6.