Russia Has Significantly More Military Aircraft Than All Other Eastern European Nations

Russia boasts an air force greater than any other military power in the region. With roughly 3,800 military aircraft in its employ, the Russian military dwarfs even the second strongest aerial power in the region. Not to mention, Russia's desire for air superiority has resulted in some of the most advanced combat aircraft, particularly in its Sukhoi series. (These countries have the most Sukhoi fighter jets.)

Coming out of the Cold War, Russia inherited a sizable fleet of aircraft from the Soviet Union, some of which were drastically improved upon. However, much of Russia's inherited fleet is outdated, grounded, or scrapped. Russia's modernization programs only partially offset the aging inventory.

The Sukhoi Su-57 Felon is the newest fifth-generation fighter jet developed by Russia specifically for air superiority and attack roles. This jet is complemented by a modernized fleet of Su-35 Flankers and MiG-35 Fulcrums.

Comparatively, NATO and other Eastern European countries operate smaller, albeit technologically sophisticated, air forces. Nations like Poland and Romania have invested in modern fighters such as the F-16. Though Russia has a mighty air force, NATO in its entirety (with U.S. air assets in Europe) vastly outmatches Russia.

Although Russia's fleet is massive, some neighbors and NATO allies are purchasing U.S. fighter jets to rival those in the Russian fleet. 24/7 Wall St. is taking a closer look at the air forces within this region.

To determine the Eastern European countries with the most military aircraft, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed the 2024 military strength report from Global Firepower, an annually updated defense-related statistics website with information on 145 countries. We ranked these countries according to which countries have the most aircraft. We included supplemental information regarding each country's current air force and overall military strength ranking. Nations that did not have any military aircraft were excluded.

Here is a look at the largest air forces in Eastern Europe:

Why Are We Covering This?

Understanding the military dynamics of Eastern Europe is essential due to the region's critical geopolitical importance, not to mention the ongoing conflict. Eastern Europe has historically been a focal point of tension, and military power plays an important role in maintaining both political and economic stability. The stability of Eastern Europe remains vital to global security.

11. Moldova

Total military aircraft: 3
Total fighter and interceptor aircraft: 0
Total strike and attack aircraft: 0
Total helicopters: 2
Total attack helicopters: 0
Military strength score and world rank: 4.2311 – 144. out of 145

10. Montenegro

Total military aircraft: 11
Total fighter and interceptor aircraft: 0
Total strike and attack aircraft: 0
Total helicopters: 11
Total attack helicopters: 0
Military strength score and world rank: 2.9109 – 129. out of 145

9. Slovakia

Total military aircraft: 37
Total fighter and interceptor aircraft: 0
Total strike and attack aircraft: 0
Total helicopters: 22
Total attack helicopters: 0
Military strength score and world rank: 1.1891 – 69. out of 145

8. Hungary

Total military aircraft: 62
Total fighter and interceptor aircraft: 12
Total strike and attack aircraft: 0
Total helicopters: 38
Total attack helicopters: 8
Military strength score and world rank: 0.8478 – 54. out of 145

7. Bulgaria

Total military aircraft: 65
Total fighter and interceptor aircraft: 11
Total strike and attack aircraft: 5
Total helicopters: 27
Total attack helicopters: 4
Military strength score and world rank: 1.0132 – 62. out of 145

6. Czechia

Total military aircraft: 88
Total fighter and interceptor aircraft: 12
Total strike and attack aircraft: 16
Total helicopters: 33
Total attack helicopters: 3
Military strength score and world rank: 0.7706 – 46. out of 145

5. Romania

*Romania is phasing out MiG-21s, which retired in 2023, and operates only a limited number of F-16s and helicopters, so this total may be overstated.

Total military aircraft: 131
Total fighter and interceptor aircraft: 14
Total strike and attack aircraft: 0
Total helicopters: 67
Total attack helicopters: 0
Military strength score and world rank: 0.7712 – 47. out of 145

4. Belarus

*Many of these are old Soviet-era models, such as Su-25s and MiG-29s. The serviceability of these craft is questionable.

Total military aircraft: 183
Total fighter and interceptor aircraft: 37
Total strike and attack aircraft: 51
Total helicopters: 64
Total attack helicopters: 25
Military strength score and world rank: 1.0901 – 64. out of 145

3. Ukraine

These counts are likely pre-2022 numbers. After 2+ years of war, Ukraine has lost many combat jets and helicopters. Western aid has provided limited replacements (F-16 deliveries only started in 2025). Its real operational fleet is likely far smaller.

Total military aircraft: 321
Total fighter and interceptor aircraft: 72
Total strike and attack aircraft: 30
Total helicopters: 130
Total attack helicopters: 33
Military strength score and world rank: 0.2598 – 18. out of 145

2. Poland

Total military aircraft: 468
Total fighter and interceptor aircraft: 59
Total strike and attack aircraft: 34
Total helicopters: 215
Total attack helicopters: 30
Military strength score and world rank: 0.2917 – 21. out of 145

1. Russia

*Many of Russia's craft may benon-operational, outdated, or in storage.

Total military aircraft: Roughly 3,800
Total fighter and interceptor aircraft: 809
Total strike and attack aircraft: 730
Total helicopters: 1,547
Total attack helicopters: 559
Military strength score and world rank: 0.0702 – 2. out of 145

Russia Has Significantly More Military Aircraft Than All Other Eastern European Nations