Thousands of fighter jets are in active duty across the world’s air forces in 2026, from 5th-generation models like the F-35 to relics of the 1970s such as the Sukhoi Su-24. The 2026 World Air Forces Directory has tracked a total of 14,074 active combat aircraft around the world. The most popular fighter jet in 2026 remains the F-16 Fighting Falcon, with over 2,100 aircraft in active service. The F-16 is followed by the Russian Su-27 family, wit…
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