List of Countries with Fifth Generation Fighter Jets (2026)

The fifth generation fighters are the most advanced fighter jets in use today. These fighter jets are stealthy in nature, with far more potent sensors, data fusion and networked warfare than older jets. In 2026, very few countries are operating these planes, either by building their own or by buying them from their allies.

This article lists all countries that currently have a fleet of 5th generation fighter jets as well as the details of the aircraft that they fly and the number of aircraft each country has.

What Makes a Fighter Jet "Fifth Generation"?

There is no universally accepted definition of a 5th generation fighter jet. But most defence analysts agree that the 5th generation fighters do have some common characteristics which are as follows:

1. Lower radar cross section, all directions, not just forward.

2. Has the ability to fly at supersonic speeds without afterburners.

3. Integration of data from several onboard and networked sensors on a tactical dashboard.

4. It has an internal weapon bay to store missiles and bombs within the airframe to maintain the stealth profile.

5. These jets have the ability to share live battlefield data with other jets, ground command centres and ships which enables better coordination.

The American F-22 Raptor, the American F-35 Lightning II and the Chinese J-20 Mighty Dragon, Russian Su-57 Felon and Chinese J-35/J-35A are aircraft that are universally accepted as the fifth generation fighter jets.

Source: Wikipedia

List of Countries with Fifth Generation Fighter Jets in 2026

1. United States

Aircraft: F-22 Raptor, F-35A Lightning II, F-35B Lightning II, F-35C Lightning II

The U.S. is far ahead of the rest of the world in 5th Generation airpower. It operates two platforms, F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II.

The F-22 Raptor is the first true fifth generation fighter to enter service since 2005. Its main role is to act as an air superiority fighter to control contested airspace. There are about 180 F-22s in active service. The aircraft is not exported to any country, by order of the US Congress.

The F-35 Lightning II is a multi-role stealth fighter that is having three variants: F-35A (conventional takeoff and landing), F-35B (short takeoff and vertical landing), and F-35C (carrier-based).

The US Air Force has more than 400 F-35s in its ranks, and the Navy and the Marine Corps have more. In 2025, Lockheed Martin delivered a record 191 F-35s, bringing the global fleet to more than 1,300 aircraft in over 19 countries around the world.

The US is by far the leading player in 5th Generation aviation.

2. China

Aircraft: J-20 Mighty Dragon, J-35A (PLAAF), J-35 (PLAN)

The only other country to have developed and fielded two different 5th generation fighters is China.

The Chengdu Aircraft Corporation built J-20 Mighty Dragon first flew in 2011 and entered service in 2017. It's a big, long-range air superiority and strike fighter. The People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) is operating more than 300 J-20s as of the beginning of 2026, spread across more than 13 regiments.

Production is expected to be around 100-120 aircraft annually and analysts estimate that the fleet may reach 500 aircraft by 2026 and reach around 1,000 aircraft by the early 2030s.

The J-35 is a medium-weight stealth fighter made by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation. The carrier-based J-35 is delivered to the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) while the land based J-35A officially joined PLAAF service in October 2025. China is now estimated to possess 400 5th generation fighters in service with the J-20.

China has an export ban on both the J-20 and J-35.

3. Russia

Aircraft: Su-57 Felon

The Russian fifth generation programme has been less successful and more rocky than that of the U.S. or China. The Sukhoi Su-57, known as PAK FA, has been introduced into limited service in 2020 but has a very low production rate.

By early 2026, it is estimated that some 20 Su-57s remain in service with Russia. In 2025, there were almost no production deliveries, as the Russian defence industry has been under immense pressure due to the ongoing war in Ukraine. The Su-57's stealth features are generally regarded as less sophisticated than those of the F-35, F-22 or J-20, and many of its advanced systems are yet to be finished or tested in battle.

Russia has an export contract with Algeria for the Su-57 which, if fulfilled, would make them the first foreign operator outside Russia.

4. United Kingdom

Aircraft: F-35B Lightning II

F-35B is the short takeoff and vertical landing version of the Lightning II which is operated by the Royal Air Force (RAF) and Royal Navy. The UK has ordered 48 F-35Bs and has received the first lot in 2012 and the final delivery being completed in 2025. Therefore, the operational strength of RAF is 48 F-35B aircrafts.

These aircrafts are operated by both 617 Squadron (RAF) and 809 Naval Air Squadron (Royal Navy), from land bases and from the aircraft carriers HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales.

Operation Highmast in 2025 saw the deployment of UK F-35Bs aboard HMS Prince of Wales. British F-35s have also been engaged in combat operations, including air defence missions.

Source: Lockheed Martin

5. Italy

Aircraft: F-35A, F-35B

Italy has both variants of the F-35. The Italian Air Force operates the F-35A from land bases for multirole missions, while the Italian Navy operates the F-35B from the aircraft carrier ITS Cavour, re-introducing fixed-wing naval aviation to Italy. Italy has 75 F-35As and 20 to 40 F-35Bs on order. 

In addition, Italy is home to one of only three F-35 final assembly facilities in the world, at Cameri, where the aircraft are made for Italy and other European customers.

Italy increased the number of F-35s by including an additional 25 aircrafts in 2025.

6. Australia

Aircraft: F-35A

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has now received its last F-35A. Australia had completed its conversion from its old F/A-18A/B Hornets to the Lightning II by 2025. The aircraft are stationed at several air bases in Australia. By a wide margin, Australia's F-35 fleet makes it the most capable air force in Southeast Asia and the Pacific.

7. Japan

Aircraft: F-35A, F-35B

Japan has ordered 105 F-35As and 42 F-35Bs, for a total of 147 aircraft. It is estimated that about 38-45 aircraft have been delivered as of 2025. The Japan Air Self-Defence Force (JASDF) considers the F-35 to be at the heart of its deterrent posture towards both China and North Korea. 

The F-35Bs will be based at two converted helicopter destroyers, JS Izumo and JS Kaga, that are being refitted to accommodate fixed-wing aircraft.

Japan operates a domestic assembly of F-35 aircrafts at Mitsubishi’s facility in Nagoya.

8. South Korea

Aircraft: F-35A

South Korea has ordered 60 F-35A Lightning IIs, with almost 40 operational by 2025. The planes are regarded as essential for the deterrence of North Korea's missile and nuclear programme and are able to penetrate hardened targets stealthily. 

South Korea is also working on its own 5th generation fighter, the KF-21 Boramae which will enter service in 2026. The KF-21 is currently at the cusp of fourth and fifth generations, however, since the production variant does not feature internal weapons bays.

9. Israel

Aircraft: F-35I "Adir"

Israel has a specially modified version of the F-35A called the F-35I "Adir" (Hebrew for "Mighty"). The Israeli Air Force has integrated its own electronic warfare systems, sensors and weapons on the platform. 

By 2025, Israel has an official inventory of around 39 F-35s, with two squadrons in active service from Nevatim Air Base. In June 2024, Israel inked a contract for a third squadron of 25 Adir aircraft, thereby increasing the overall fleet target to 75.

Israel has deployed the F-35I in combat operations to a great extent, including in strikes and air defence missions throughout the region.

10. Norway

Aircraft: F-35A

Norway has delivered all 52 of its F-35As, one of the first overseas customers to complete its initial purchase of F-35 aircraft. The aircraft are operated by the Royal Norwegian Air Force (RNLAF) at Orland and Evenes air bases. Norway's F-35s have been deployed for NATO air policing operations, as well as operations over allied airspace in 2025.

11. Netherlands

Aircraft: F-35A

The Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) flies the F-35A from Leeuwarden and Volkel air bases, in place of the previous F-16s. 

Remarkably, the Netherlands was the first operator to record an air-to-air kill with the F-35 in combat. In late 2024, the Dutch government agreed to a defence package, including funding for six additional F-35As, in addition to the 37 already in service.

12. Denmark

Aircraft: F-35A

Denmark ordered 27 F-35As to replace its aging F-16 fleet. By 2025, the Royal Danish Air Force had a growing in-country fleet with some aircraft still in the United States for pilot training. 

Denmark also added 16 more aircraft to its programme of record in 2025, increasing its total commitment. The Danish F-35s will support NATO missions in the Baltic and Arctic regions.

13. Belgium

Aircraft: F-35A

Belgium is one of the newer F-35 operators. After a long procurement process, Belgium selected the F-35A to replace its F-16s. In 2025, Belgium welcomed its first F-35s to its home base, marking a major milestone for the Belgian Air Component.

14. Finland

Aircraft: F-35A

Finland selected the F-35A in 2021 to replace its Boeing F/A-18C/D Hornet fleet. The Finnish Air Force celebrated the rollout of its first F-35 in 2025. Finland's entry into NATO in 2023 made the F-35 acquisition part of a broader shift toward full interoperability with allied forces.

15. Poland

Aircraft: F-35A

Poland ordered 32 F-35As as part of a major modernisation of the Polish Air Force. Deliveries are progressing, and Poland is expected to have aircraft operational in the mid 2027. Poland received delivery of 3 F-35A’s on May 22, 2026.

Which country has the most fifth generation fighter jets?

The United States is home to the world's largest fleet of fifth generation fighters, comprising some 185 F-22 Raptors and several hundred F-35s in the Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps. China is far away, but closing in fast with more than 300 J-20s in service and increasing numbers of J-35s.

Does Russia have a fifth generation fighter?

Yes. The Su-57 Felon is used by Russia, but in a very limited quantity. As of early 2026, there are about 20 Su-57s in service, which is well short of the initial expectations. The stealthiness and sensor suite of the aircraft is generally inferior to that of the F-35, F-22 or the J-20.

Does India have a fifth generation fighter jet?

No, India is not currently flying a fifth generation fighter. India is working on its own programme Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) but it is still years away from operational service. India has earlier explored a joint programme with Russia (FGFA based on Su-57), but pulled out of it.

Which is the most widely used fifth generation fighter?

The F-35 is the most deployed 5th generation fighter in the world. As of 2026, over 1,300 are deployed in over 19 countries, and it is the backbone of allied airpower in NATO and the Indo-Pacific.

Quick Facts for Competitive Exams

Practice MCQs for Competitive Exams

Q1. Which country is the first to introduce the 5th generation fighter? 

A) Russia B) China C) United States D) United Kingdom

Answer: C) USA 

In 2005, the United States became the first nation to use a 5th generation fighter, the F-22 Raptor. The F-35 followed in 2015.

Q2. Which country has created its own indigenous 5th generation fighter jet? 

A) Israel B) Australia C) China D) Norway

Answer: C) China 

Explanation: China has developed its own J-20 Mighty Dragon and J-35A, both of which are currently in service.

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