Few military aircraft have reshaped global airpower as profoundly as the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II. First flying in 2006, it has since become the world’s most widespread fifth-generation fighter, with over 1,200 aircraft in service across 20 nations.
Beyond its stealth and strike capabilities, the F-35’s real power lies in building a multinational network of interoperable allies.
This article ranks the top 10 nations by F-35 fleet size in 2025, highlighting both fleet numbers and strategic impact.
10. Denmark
- Order: 27 F-35As (deliveries ongoing)
- Role: Replacement of F-16s, Baltic and Arctic NATO missions
- Significance: A small but modern force that enhances Denmark’s NATO contributions.
9. South Korea
- Order: 60 F-35As (~40 delivered)
- Role: Deterrence against North Korea’s missile and nuclear threat
- Future Plans: Considering F-35Bs for shipborne operations
- Significance: Provides stealth strike capability near one of the world’s most dangerous flashpoints.
8. The Netherlands
- Order: 52 F-35As (40+ delivered)
- Role: NATO quick reaction alert and multinational exercises
- Significance: An early Joint Strike Fighter partner, fully aligned with NATO’s air strategy.
7. Norway
- Order: 52 F-35As (all delivered)
- Role: Arctic air defense, NATO’s northern flank security
- Significance: Among the first European nations to complete delivery, with unique High North operations.
6. Israel
- Order: ~75 F-35Is (50 delivered)
- Role: Customized “Adir” variant with indigenous systems
- Combat Use: First nation to use the F-35 in combat (2018 strikes in the Middle East)
- Significance: A decisive regional edge, with future integration of drone control.
5. Italy
- Order: 75 F-35As + 20–40 F-35Bs
- Role: Air Force strike missions and naval aviation from carrier Cavour
- Unique Feature: Hosts one of three global F-35 assembly plants (Cameri)
- Significance: A dual land-and-sea operator, restoring carrier-based aviation.
4. Australia
- Order: 72 F-35As (all delivered)
- Role: Indo-Pacific strike missions, replacing Hornets
- Significance: Fully operational fleet with advanced standoff missiles, central to regional deterrence.
3. United Kingdom
- Order: 60–80 F-35Bs (~40 delivered)
- Role: Joint RAF–Royal Navy operations, including carriers HMS Queen Elizabeth and Prince of Wales
- Significance: Only Tier 1 partner in the program, emphasizing carrier strike and NATO interoperability.
2. Japan
- Order: 147 F-35s (105 As, 42 Bs) | 60+ delivered
- Role: Air defense, strike missions, and carrier aviation via converted Izumo-class ships
- Significance: Largest F-35 operator outside the U.S., bringing back shipborne aviation for the first time since WWII.
1. United States
- Fleet: 400+ in service | 2,400+ planned
- Variants: F-35A (USAF), F-35B (USMC), F-35C (USN/USMC)
- Role: Global deployments across Europe and the Indo-Pacific
- Future Upgrades: Block 4 enhancements, advanced engines, and next-gen datalinks
- Significance: By far the largest operator, setting the standard for allied integration.
Quick Snapshot of Ranking
| Rank | Country | Fleet / Order | Variants | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | USA | 400+ / 2,400+ | A / B / C | Largest operator, global deployments |
| 2 | Japan | 147 / 60+ | A / B | First shipborne fleet since WWII |
| 3 | UK | 40 / 60–80 | B only | Carrier ops on QE-class |
| 4 | Australia | 72 / 72 | A only | Fully operational fleet |
| 5 | Italy | 95–115 | A / B | FACO hub, naval aviation |
| 6 | Israel | 75 / 50+ | F-35I | Customized variant, combat proven |
| 7 | Norway | 52 / 52 | A only | Arctic NATO missions |
| 8 | Netherlands | 52 / 40+ | A only | NATO integration |
| 9 | South Korea | 60 / 40 | A only | North Korea deterrence |
| 10 | Denmark | 27 / deliveries | A only | NATO Baltic/Arctic role |
Bottom Line: A Stealth Coalition
The F-35 Lightning II is more than a stealth fighter—it’s the backbone of a global coalition. By 2025, its presence across NATO, the Middle East, and the Indo-Pacific ensures not only advanced airpower but also unmatched interoperability.
