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People's Liberation Army Air Force (2024) Aircraft Inventory


Current Active Inventory: 1,966 Aircraft


China National Flag Graphic
The following represents an overview of the modern aerial fighting capabilities of the People's Liberation Army Air Force (2024). The service currently counts 1,966 total units in its active aircraft inventory. The WDMMA review takes into account specific categories of aircraft covering attack, logistics, special-mission, and general support types. Inventory numbers and related aircraft types / variants are provided as-is and derived from publically-available information / sources. "Outlook" results are related to any future airframes currently under procurement though said airframes may not be delivered for service in the current year for various reasons. "Readiness Rates" are based on the published USAF standard. Due to discrepancies regarding UAV reporting between countries and sources, unmanned vehicles are currently not tracked by WDMMA.

Updated: 04/10/2023 | © www.WDMMA.org


Total Aircraft: 1,966

983
Aircraft at 50.0% Readiness Rate
1,376
Aircraft at 70.0% Readiness Rate
1,475
Aircraft at 75.0% Readiness Rate
1,573
Aircraft at 80.0% Readiness Rate
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TvR
63.8
TrueValue Rating assesses air service current strengths/weaknesses matched against top performer USAF (242.9).
Global Rank
7 /103
Global Rank as compared to national powers of WDMMA. 103 total air services from 103 nations are tracked. View Current Ranks.
Force Concentration

Attack: 1,335 units
Support: 370 units
Training: 261 units
Future: 0 units

Material Suppliers (Past and Present)

Primary (2)

National flag of China National flag of Russia
Secondary (4)

National flag of the United States National flag of Canada National flag of France National flag of the Soviet Union


Fighters (1,215)


Airframes detailed as fighter, interceptor, or general attack types including multi-role though excluding dedicated bombers and CAS.

OUTLOOK
STABLE
388
J-7
Fighter
235
J-10A/B
Multirole
205
J-11/A/B/BS
Multirole
97
Su-30MKK
Multirole
96
J-8/A/B/D/E/F/H/+
Interceptor
69
JH-7/A
Fighter-Bomber
50
J-16
Strike Fighter
32
Su-27K/UBK
Multirole
24
Su-35BM
Multirole
19
J-20
Multirole

Total Units: 1,215 (62%)




Bombers (120)


Airframes developed for the strategic-level direct-attack role; typical qualities include subsonic or supersonic performance, long range, and high-altitude capabilities.

OUTLOOK
STABLE
120
H-6/E/F/H/K
Strategic

Total Units: 120 (6%)




Helicopters (65)


Airframes detailed as manned rotary-wing platforms used in the transport, special-mission, or direct-attack roles.

OUTLOOK
STABLE
34
Z-8
Transport
16
Mi-17/171
Medium-Lift
15
Z-9
Multi-Mission

Total Units: 65 (3%)




Transports (238)


Airframes used in the dedicated hauler role, serving either military or high-government personnel or in supply / cargo delivery.

OUTLOOK
STABLE
81
Y-8
Tactical
48
Y-7
Light Utility
31
Y-20
Strategic
25
IL-76MD
Strategic
24
Y-9
Tactical
16
MA-60
Transport
11
Y-12
Utility
2
Tu-154
VIP/Airliner

Total Units: 238 (12%)




Trainers (261)


Airframes reserved for dedicated Basic, Advanced, Flight, and Helicopter airman training.

OUTLOOK
STABLE
170
JL-8
Advanced Jet Trainer
39
Su-27
Fighter Trainer
35
JJ-7
Fighter Trainer
13
Y-7
Flight Trainer
2
Cabri G2
Helicopter Trainer
2
L-15
Advanced Jet Trainer

Total Units: 261 (13%)




Aerial Tankers / Refuelers (3)


Airframes modified for the purpose of aerial fuel delivery to support allied aircraft / operations.

OUTLOOK
STABLE
3
IL-78
Aerial Refueling

Total Units: 3 (0%)




Special-Mission (64)


Airframes modified for Special-Mission roles - typically these are dedicated, role-specific types.

OUTLOOK
STABLE
17
Y-8GX1
Electronic Warfare
14
KJ-500
Airborne Early Warning
11
KJ-200
Airborne Early Warning
7
Tu-154
Electronic Warfare
5
Challenger 870
Reconnaissance
4
KJ-2000
Airborne Early Warning
3
An-30
Electronic Warfare
2
Boeing 737 MPA
Maritime Patrol
1
Y-8
Reconnaissance

Total Units: 64 (3%)




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