Snapshot of future fighter fleet composition -2030

It’s interesting to observe the difference in approach between USN and USAF in terms of fleet composition.

The USAF is aiming for a nearly 100% stealth 5th generation fleet by 2030 (the only exception will be F-15E).

The USN is aiming at about 30% stealth generation fleet and 70% 4.5 generation F/A-18E/F.

The USMC is also aiming at 100% stealth fleet but just not because of it’s stealth capabilities but as to it’s take-off profile. Current fleet of F/A-18s can’t operate from amphibious LHD/LHAs. F-35Bs can!

The other big air forces are aiming at lower 5th generation numbers too by 2030.

– RAF – roughly 50-50 split between 4.5th generation and 5th generation.
– Italy – roughly 50-50 split between 4.5th generation and 5th generation.
– France – 100% 4.5th generation.
– Germany – 100% 4.5th generation
– Israel -33% 5th generation (100 x F-35 by then), 67% 4th generation
– Japan – 15%+ 5th generation (42 F-35 + F-3 to enter service in 2027), and <85% 4th generation
– India (Air Force) – 20% fifth generation, 80% 4th generation
– India (Navy) – 100% 4th generation.

Not sure about Russia and China but they’re buying hundreds of 4th generation jets between now and 2020 (Su-35, Su-30, Su-34, J-10, J-11, JH-7) which would seem to imply lower numbers of 5th generation than 4th generation jets.

Ironically only smaller single type airforces will be 100% 5th generation.