The United States, Russia, and France are the world’s three largest exporters of fighter aircraft—but other emerging players are closing in.
The global fighter jet export market can be viewed as a microcosm of global influence—encompassing both hard power and soft power. Today, the United States sits firmly atop the world’s top global fighter jet export market, with a commanding lead over the field both in terms of volume and value. No other nation stands a reasonable chance of matching the US export numbers in the near- or medium-term. But the export market is not a monopoly; two other nations also play a major role in global fighter sales, with other emerging powers gaining a growing market share as well.
The fighter export market is worth a detailed examination, both in terms of its current standing and its emerging trends—and the corresponding insights into global relevance and power.
America Leads the Way in Fighter Jet Exports
The American defense industry features some of the world’s most dominant companies—not strictly in terms of defense companies, but in terms of any company. The result, naturally, has positioned the United States appropriately to dominate the fighter export market. Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and Boeing in particular have delivered thousands of military aircraft worldwide over the past 50 years, marking an overt win for the capitalistic system.
The most significant plane in America’s export arsenal is undoubtedly the General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon, the backbone of the US Air Force and many allied air forces around the globe. The F-16 continues to be a major export despite its venerable age, thanks in large part to its enduring reliability, affordability, and accessible upgrades. Around 4,000 of the planes have been built since its introduction; roughly 1,000 remain in operation with the US military, while another 2,000 have been exported abroad.
For countries with higher defense budgets, the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II—the only operational fifth-generational stealth fighter widely available for export—has been widely popular on the export market. Around 900 of the aircraft have been exported so far, entrenching the United States as the world’s leading fighter jet exporter.
France Is Rising Quickly in the Global Export Market
France has rapidly ascended into the number two slot, an emerging force in the fighter export market. France’s success is owed primarily to a single platform: the Dassault Rafale, a fourth-generation-plus multirole fighter that enjoys enduring popularity in India, Egypt, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Greece. France’s arms industry also benefits from maintaining political independence from the United States and NATO-aligned restrictions, opting to sell to countries that might not have access to American aircraft.
Geopolitics aside, the Rafale itself is an attractive aircraft—with advanced avionics, proven combat performance, and a versatility and flexibility that make the jet a viable alternative to either the American or Russian stable of jets. Around 500 Rafales have been built or purchased in advance, split roughly evenly between the French Air Force and foreign military sales.
Russia’s Defense Industry, Long Dominant, Is Falling Behind
Russia (and the former Soviet Union) are historically the second-largest exporter of fighter aircraft—but have recently fallen into third, following France’s sudden ascendency as well as the demands of the ongoing war in Ukraine. Russia is nowhere near the United States in terms of volume or value, but has managed to retain a strong presence in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. The most widely exported jets in the Russian lineup include the Sukhoi Su-30, Su-35, and Mikoyan MiG-29.
Typically, Russian aircraft are priced lower than Western aircraft—and sold with fewer political restrictions. In that sense, Russia’s main strength as an exporter lies in offering capable platforms that appeal to countries with smaller defense budgets and/or non-aligned geopolitical stances. Yet Russia’s position on the global market is weakening; the invasion of Ukraine has caused international sanctions, export controls, and significant disruptions in the Russian defense manufacturing sector. The result has been a less reliable and less competitive fighter jet exporter
Many Other Countries Have Developed Excellent Fighter Jets
In addition to the three largest exporters, a second tier of nations have developed sophisticated fighter jets and are eagerly marketing them to potential customers. China, in particular, is emerging as a player in the fighter jet export market. With Chinese indigenous production of fighter aircraft finally accelerating, home-grown products like the Chengdu J-10 and JF-17 (co-produced with Pakistan) are allowing Beijing to expand its export footprint. Countries in Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia are especially attracted to Chinese products for their low price tag and solid performance in the recent India-Pakistan conflict. And while Chinese export fighters are nowhere near as sophisticated as US or Russian platforms, they offer affordability and flexible financing options. China’s strategy is long-term—focused not just with selling fighter jets, but with integrating client states into a broader Chinese-led defense network and trade network.
South Korea, too, has earned significant orders for its KF-21 and T-50 combat aircraft. Countries including Poland, Malaysia, Philippines, Senegal, and more, have turned to Seoul. Many of these orders are still pending, but if completed as planned, South Korea will enter the rankings as one of the world’s leading exporters of fighter jets.
About the Author: Harrison Kass
Harrison Kass is a Senior Defense and National Security Writer at The National Interest. Kass is an attorney and former political candidate who joined the US Air Force as a pilot trainee before being medically discharged. He focuses on military strategy, aerospace, and global security affairs. He holds a JD from the University of Oregon and a master’s in Global Journalism and International Relations from NYU.
Image: Wikimedia Commons.
