People's Liberation Army Air Force (2023)

Current Active Inventory: 2,084 Aircraft

Last Updated: 08/18/2022 | © www.WDMMA.org

The following represents an overview of the modern aerial fighting capabilities of the People's Liberation Army Air Force (2023). The service currently counts 2,084 total units in its active aircraft inventory. The WDMMA review takes into account specific categories of aircraft covering attack, logistics, special-mission, and general support types. Inventory numbers and related aircraft types / variants are provided as-is and derived from publically-available information / sources. "Outlook" results are related to any future airframes currently under procurement though said airframes may not be delivered for service in the current year for various reasons. "Readiness Rates" are based on the published USAF standard. Due to discrepancies regarding UAV reporting between countries and sources, unmanned vehicles are currently not tracked by WDMMA.

Total Aircraft: 2,084

1,042 / 2,084
Total available aircraft assuming a Below Average Readiness Rate of 50.0%.

1,459 / 2,084
Total available aircraft assuming an Average Readiness Rate of 70.0%.

1,563 / 2,084
Total available aircraft assuming an Above Average Readiness Rate of 75.0%.

1,667 / 2,084
Total available aircraft assuming an Excellent Readiness Rate of 80.0%.

TvR:
63.8

This service's TrueValue Rating formulated by assessment of an air service's current strengths and weaknesses matched against the top performer - the USAF (242.9).

Global Rank:
7/127

This air service's Global Rank when compared to the rest of the national powers of WDMMA. A total of 127 air services from 101 nations are currently tracked. View the current ranking.

FORCE CONCENTRATION:
Attack: 1,453 units
Support: 370 units
Training: 261 units
Future: 0 units

Suppliers

Primary (2)

Secondary (4)

Fighters (1,333)

Airframes detailed as fighter, interceptor, or general attack types including multi-role though excluding dedicated bombers and CAS.

OUTLOOK

STABLE

388

J-7

Fighter

235

J-10A/B

Multirole

205

J-11/A/B/BS

Multirole

118

Q-5

Attack

97

Su-30MKK

Multirole

96

J-8/A/B/D/E/F/H/+

Interceptor

69

JH-7/A

Fighter-Bomber

50

J-16

Strike Fighter

32

Su-27K/UBK

Multirole

24

Su-35BM

Multirole

19

J-20

Multirole

Total Units: 1,333 (64%)

Bombers (120)

Airframes developed for the strategic-level direct-attack role; typical qualities include subsonic or supersonic performance, long range, and high-altitude capabilities.

OUTLOOK

STABLE

120

H-6/E/F/H/K

Strategic

Total Units: 120 (6%)

Helicopters (65)

Airframes detailed as manned rotary-wing platforms used in the transport, special-mission, or direct-attack roles.

OUTLOOK

STABLE

34

Z-8

Transport

16

Mi-17/171

Medium-Lift

15

Z-9

Multi-Mission

Total Units: 65 (3%)

Transports (238)

Airframes used in the dedicated hauler role, serving either military or high-government personnel or in supply / cargo delivery.

OUTLOOK

STABLE

81

Y-8

Tactical

48

Y-7

Light Utility

31

Y-20

Strategic

25

IL-76MD

Strategic

24

Y-9

Tactical

16

MA-60

Transport

11

Y-12

Utility

2

Tu-154

VIP/Airliner

Total Units: 238 (11%)

Trainers (261)

Airframes reserved for dedicated Basic, Advanced, Flight, and Helicopter airman training.

OUTLOOK

STABLE

170

JL-8

Advanced Jet Trainer

39

Su-27

Fighter Trainer

35

JJ-7

Fighter Trainer

13

Y-7

Flight Trainer

2

Cabri G2

Helicopter Trainer

2

L-15

Advanced Jet Trainer

Total Units: 261 (13%)

Aerial Tankers / Refuelers (3)

Airframes modified for the purpose of aerial fuel delivery to support allied aircraft / operations.

OUTLOOK

STABLE

3

IL-78

Aerial Refueling

Total Units: 3 (0%)

Special-Mission (64)

Airframes modified for Special-Mission roles - typically these are dedicated, role-specific types.

OUTLOOK

STABLE

17

Y-8GX1

Electronic Warfare

14

KJ-500

Airborne Early Warning

11

KJ-200

Airborne Early Warning

7

Tu-154

Electronic Warfare

5

Challenger 870

Reconnaissance

4

KJ-2000

Airborne Early Warning

3

An-30

Electronic Warfare

2

Boeing 737 MPA

Maritime Patrol

1

Y-8

Reconnaissance

Total Units: 64 (3%)

Related Services...

People's Liberation Naval AF

People's Liberation Army GF

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