Air Forces comparison: 
United States vs 
Iran
Force Profile
| United States | Iran | |
|---|---|---|
| Official name | United States Air Force | Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force |
| Local name | US Air Force | نیروی هوایی ارتش جمهوری اسلامی ایران (Nīrvī-ye Havāyī-ye Arteš-e Jomhūrī-ye Eslāmī-ye Īrān) |
| Active aircraft | 12,784 (2026) | 636 (2026) |
| Aircraft on order | +3,419 | — |
| Roundel |  |
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Aircraft Types Radar Comparison
Aircraft by Type
🇺🇸 United Statesas of 2026
🇮🇷 Iranas of 2026
Fleet Evolution
🇺🇸 United States
🇮🇷 Iran
Overview
United States's air force fields 12,784 active aircraft — 20:1 Iran's 636.
The breakdown includes 2,948 vs 295 combat aircraft, 147 vs 0 bombers, 5,442 vs 160 helicopters, 1,483 vs 81 transport aircraft, 1,598 vs 88 trainers (United States vs Iran). United States has 3,419 aircraft on order vs 0 for Iran.
The United States air force is officially the United States Air Force, while Iran's is the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which country has more military aircraft, United States or Iran?
United States has more military aircraft with 12,784 active aircraft compared to Iran's 636, a difference of 12,148 aircraft.
Which air force has more combat aircraft, United States or Iran?
United States has more combat aircraft with 2,948 fighters and attack aircraft compared to Iran's 295.
Which country has more military helicopters, United States or Iran?
United States operates more military helicopters with 5,442 compared to Iran's 160.
Which air force has more transport aircraft, United States or Iran?
United States has more transport aircraft with 1,483 compared to Iran's 81.
How do the United States and Iran air forces compare in size?
United States's air force is 18.3 times larger than Iran's in terms of total active aircraft (1,483 vs 81).
Which country has more aircraft on order, United States or Iran?
United States has 3,419 aircraft on order compared to Iran's 0.