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Royal Air Force (2024) Aircraft Inventory


Current Active Inventory: 466 Aircraft


United Kingdom National Flag Graphic
The following represents an overview of the modern aerial fighting capabilities of the Royal Air Force (2024). The service currently counts 466 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.

Updated: 02/08/2023 | © www.WDMMA.org


Total Aircraft: 466

233
Aircraft at 50.0% Readiness Rate
326
Aircraft at 70.0% Readiness Rate
350
Aircraft at 75.0% Readiness Rate
373
Aircraft at 80.0% Readiness Rate
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TvR
55.3
TrueValue Rating assesses air service current strengths/weaknesses matched against top performer USAF (242.9).
Global Rank
11 /103
Global Rank as compared to national powers of WDMMA. 103 total air services from 103 nations are tracked. View Current Ranks.
Force Concentration

Attack: 133 units
Support: 154 units
Training: 179 units
Future: 143 units

Material Suppliers (Past and Present)

Primary (2)

National flag of the United States National flag of the United Kingom
Secondary (5)

National flag of Canada National flag of Germany National flag of France National flag of Brazil National flag of Italy


Fighters (133)


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

OUTLOOK
POSITIVE
118
Typhoon
Multirole
15
F-35B
Strike

Total Units: 133 (29%)




Helicopters (81)


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

OUTLOOK
POSITIVE
55
HC.3/4/5/6
Medium-Lift
22
Puma HC.2
Transport
3
Bell 412
Search & Rescue
1
AW109
SAR/Utility

Total Units: 81 (17%)




Transports (42)


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

OUTLOOK
POSITIVE
20
A400M
Strategic/Tactical
14
C-130J
Tactical
8
C-17
Strategic/Tactical

Total Units: 42 (9%)




Trainers (179)


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

OUTLOOK
STABLE
80
G115
Flight Trainer
33
Hawk T.1
Advanced Jet Trainer
28
Hawk T.2
Advanced Jet Trainer
23
G120TP
Flight Trainer
10
T-6C
Basic Trainer
5
Phenom 100
Flight Trainer

Total Units: 179 (38%)




Aerial Tankers / Refuelers (9)


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

OUTLOOK
STABLE
9
KC-30A (MRTT)
Aerial Refueling

Total Units: 9 (2%)




Special-Mission (22)


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

OUTLOOK
POSITIVE
9
P-8A
Maritime Patrol
6
King Air 350
Reconnaissance
4
Global Express
Reconnaissance
3
RC-135W
ELINT

Total Units: 22 (5%)




On Order (143)


Aircraft set to be delivered in the current procurement year or in subsequent year(s).

120
F-35B
Strike
16
HC.3/4/5/6
Medium-Lift
3
E-7A
Airborne Early Warning
2
A400M
Transport
2
King Air 350
Reconnaissance

Total Units: 143




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