The Israeli Air Force (IAF) maintains a formidable aerial presence in the Middle East and globally. As of 2025, its active aircraft inventory stands at 605 units, encompassing a diverse range of platforms for various missions. This analysis delves into the components of the IAF’s air power, providing a snapshot of their current strength and future outlook, with a specific focus on the Israel Fighter Aircraft fleet which forms the core of its combat capabilities.
According to the World Directory of Modern Military Aircraft (WDMMA), this inventory overview takes into account specific categories of aircraft including attack, logistics, special-mission, and general support types. Inventory numbers and related aircraft types/variants are derived from publicly available information. Future airframes currently under procurement are noted, though they may not be delivered in the current year. Readiness rates are based on the published USAF standard, and unmanned vehicles are not tracked by WDMMA due to reporting discrepancies. The data was updated on 11/26/2024. The IAF’s fleet includes advanced platforms widely considered among the best fighter aircraft in world.
Out of the total 605 airframes, the operational availability varies based on readiness standards:
- 303 available aircraft at 50.0% Readiness Rate
- 424 available aircraft at 70.0% Readiness Rate
- 454 available aircraft at 75.0% Readiness Rate
- 484 available aircraft at 80.0% Readiness Rate
Photograph of an Israeli Air Force fighter jet
The force concentration highlights the IAF’s primary strengths:
- Combat/Attack: 272 units
- General Support: 180 units
- Pilot/Crew Training: 153 units
- Future Procurement: 132 units
Based on WDMMA’s TruVal Rating (TVR), which assesses air service strengths and weaknesses against top performers like the USAF (242.9), the IAF holds a TVR of 56.3. This rating contributes to its high standing globally.
The Israeli Air Force is currently ranked 9th out of 129 air services tracked by WDMMA across 103 countries. This places the IAF among the elite air powers worldwide.
The diverse inventory is supplied by several key nations, reflecting Israel’s international defense partnerships. Major and minor, past and present suppliers include:
- United States
- Germany
- France
- Italy
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Fighters: The Backbone of IAF Air Power (Approximately 45% of Total Strength)
Airframes classified as fighter, interceptor, or strike types, including multirole variants and excluding dedicated bombers and Close-Air Support (CAS) aircraft, constitute the largest single category in the IAF inventory. With 272 units, the fighter fleet is the primary component of Israel’s air combat capability. Based on published procurement reports, the short-term/long-term outlook for this category is POSITIVE, indicating continued investment and modernization. Factors like the speed of fighter aircraft and advanced avionics are crucial for maintaining air superiority. Many are interested in how these aircraft perform, even exploring this interest through best fighter aircraft games.
Key fighter aircraft types in the IAF inventory include:
- F-16I Multirole: 102 Units
- F-16C Multirole: 73 Units
- F-35I Strike: 39 Units
- F-15I Multirole: 25 Units
- F-15C Fighter: 17 Units
- F-15A Fighter: 16 Units
Helicopters (Approximately 21% of Total Strength)
The IAF operates a substantial fleet of 127 manned rotary-wing platforms. These are utilized in various roles including transport, special-mission support, troop mobility, and direct attack. The outlook for this category is also POSITIVE, suggesting ongoing modernization or expansion plans.
Notable helicopter types include:
- UH-60A/L Medium-Lift: 49 Units
- AH-64A Attack: 26 Units
- CH-53 Heavy-Lift: 22 Units
- AH-64D Attack: 22 Units
- AS565 Multirole: 4 Units
- Bell 206 Light Utility: 4 Units
Transports (Approximately 2% of Total Strength)
Fixed-wing aircraft dedicated to hauling personnel (including VIPs) or cargo play a vital support role at both strategic and tactical levels. The IAF currently operates 14 transport units. The outlook for this category is STABLE.
Transport aircraft in service:
- C-130J Tactical: 7 Units
- B200 Utility: 4 Units
- C-130E/H Tactical: 3 Units
Trainers (Approximately 25% of Total Strength)
Airframes used for training airmen, sourced from civilian or military markets, cover Basic, Advanced, General Flight, and Rotary-Wing instruction. With 153 units, training aircraft represent a significant portion of the fleet, reflecting a commitment to pilot readiness. The outlook for trainers is POSITIVE.
Trainer aircraft include:
- F-16D Fighter Trainer: 49 Units
- M-346 Advanced Jet Trainer: 30 Units
- T-6A Basic Trainer: 20 Units
- F-15B/D Fighter Trainer: 20 Units
- OH-58 Helicopter Trainer: 18 Units
- G120A Flight Trainer: 16 Units
Aerial Tankers (Approximately 2% of Total Strength)
Aircraft modified or purpose-built for aerial refueling are crucial for extending the range and endurance of combat aircraft during operations. The IAF’s tanker fleet numbers 14 units, with a POSITIVE outlook for the future.
Aerial refueling platforms:
- Boeing 707 Aerial Refueling: 7 Units
- KC-130H Aerial Refueling: 7 Units
Special-Mission Platforms (Approximately 4% of Total Strength)
These are airframes configured for specialized airborne roles such as Airborne Early Warning (AEW), Maritime Patrol (MP), and Electronic Warfare (EW). The IAF operates 25 such units, vital for intelligence, surveillance, and command and control. The outlook for this category is STABLE.
Special-mission aircraft include:
- B200 Reconnaissance: 18 Units
- G550 SIGINT: 3 Units
- G550 Airborne Early Warning: 2 Units
- Boeing 707 Airborne Early Warning: 2 Units
On Order / Future Procurement
The Israeli Air Force has 132 airframes currently on order or planned for future procurement. These acquisitions will further enhance the IAF’s capabilities in the coming years.
Future deliveries include:
- F-15IA Multirole: 50 Units
- F-35I Strike: 36 Units
- S-65C-3 Heavy-Lift: 18 Units
- AW119 Helo Trainer: 12 Units
- SH-60F Medium-Lift: 8 Units
- KC-46 Aerial Tanker: 8 Units
In conclusion, the Israeli Air Force’s 2025 inventory of 605 aircraft underscores its position as a leading air power globally, ranking 9th according to WDMMA data. The fleet is heavily focused on combat capability, with fighter aircraft making up approximately 45% of the total strength. Significant investments are planned, particularly in fighters, trainers, and helicopters, indicated by the ‘POSITIVE’ outlooks and the substantial number of units under future procurement. This detailed inventory highlights the diverse assets the IAF commands to fulfill its wide range of defense and security missions.
