ChinaAir Fleet & Combat Aviation Inventory

Comprehensive air inventory metrics covering tactical fighters, strategic bombers, airlift, rotary wing, and unmanned combat platforms for China.

Total Aircraft Fleet

3,304

All active fixed & rotary wing aircraft

Combat Aircraft

1,570

Fighters, bombers & ground attack

Rotary Wing (Helicopters)

913

Attack, transport & utility gunships

Transport & Support

698

Strategic airlift & advanced trainers

3,304 Active Airframes

Combat: 48% (1,570)Rotary: 28% (913)Transport: 9% (288)Trainers: 12% (410)

Verified model-level tactical aviation inventory, operational roles, and aerospace contractors for China.

Model / Designation	Role / Variant	Manufacturer / Prime Contractor	Generation / Tech Badge	Active Inventory	Status
J-20 Mighty DragonVar: J-20A	Stealth Air Superiority Fighter	Chengdu Aerospace	Gen5	200	Active
J-16Var: J-16D	Multirole Strike Fighter	Shenyang Aircraft	Gen4.5	250	Active
J-10CVar: Vigorous Dragon	Multirole Fighter	Chengdu Aerospace	Gen4.5	260	Active
J-15 Flying SharkVar: J-15T	Carrier-borne Fighter	Shenyang Aircraft	Gen4	60	Active
H-6KVar: H-6N	Strategic Bomber	Xi'an Aircraft	Gen3	120	Active
Y-20 KunpengVar: Y-20B	Strategic Heavy Transport	Xi'an Aircraft	Gen4	60	Active
Z-10 Attack HelicopterVar: WZ-10	Attack Helicopter	Changhe Aircraft	Gen4	200	Active
Wing Loong IIVar: GJ-2	Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle	Chengdu Aerospace	Gen4	100	Active

1,470 Airframes

Capability Class	Role & Operational Scope	Inventory
Air Superiority Fighters	BVR engagement, dogfight dominance & airspace control	520
Multi-Role Combat Aircraft	Strike, maritime interdiction & close air support	950
Dedicated Interceptors	High-speed border & sovereign airspace defense	0
Dedicated Ground Attack	Low-altitude anti-armor & close air support	120

220 Airframes

Aircraft Class	Strategic Role	Inventory
Strategic Heavy Bombers	Long-range standoff cruise missile & nuclear deterrence	120
Tactical Strike Bombers	Theater interdiction & precision strike penetration	100

913 Rotary

Helicopter Type	Primary Mission	Inventory
Dedicated Attack Gunships	Rotary anti-armor, escort & armed reconnaissance	278
Heavy & Medium Transport	Air assault, rapid troop transit & tactical insertion	450
Utility & Search-and-Rescue	Aeromedical evac, SAR, logistics & liaison	185

698 Aircraft

Platform Category	Logistics Function	Inventory
Strategic Heavy Airlift	Intercontinental military deployment & outsized cargo	88
Tactical Transport & Tankers	Theater airlift, aerial refueling tankers & paratroop drop	200
Advanced Flight Trainers	Lead-in supersonic fighter training & combat conversion	410

183,500 Platforms

Drone Class	Autonomous Capability	Inventory
Combat UCAVs & Strike Drones	MALE/HALE armed precision strike & loitering attack	550
Reconnaissance & ISR UAVs	High-altitude surveillance, EW & battle management	2,400
Loitering & FPV Munitions	Tactical swarm & suicide precision interdiction	180,000

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