Top 10 African countries with the most fighter jets in 2026

Air power remains an important part of military capability across Africa, with several countries maintaining sizeable fleets of fighter and interceptor aircraft.

According to Global Firepower’s 2026 Fighter Fleet Strength ranking, Egypt has the largest fighter/interceptor fleet in Africa, followed by Algeria and Morocco.

Global Firepower describes the category as fighter/interceptor aircraft and includes platforms such as the F-16, F-15, F/A-18, Su-27/35, MiG-29, Rafale and Gripen. Its figures are based on aircraft inventory data through 2026.

Here are the 10 African countries with the largest fighter/interceptor fleets in 2026:

1. Egypt — 242

Egypt has by far the largest fighter/interceptor fleet in Africa, with 242 aircraft, according to Global Firepower.

The country ranks 10th globally in this category. Its air fleet includes fighter platforms such as the F-16, while Egypt also operates Rafale and MiG-29 aircraft. Global Firepower separately lists Egypt with 90 dedicated attack aircraft, meaning those are not included in the 242 fighter figure.

2. Algeria — 111

Algeria ranks second in Africa with 111 fighter/interceptor aircraft.

Global Firepower places Algeria 20th globally in the category. Its overall military aircraft inventory is considerably larger because it also operates attack aircraft, transport planes, trainers and helicopters.

3. Morocco — 84

Morocco has 84 fighter/interceptor aircraft, making it the third-largest fleet in Africa.

Global Firepower ranks the Moroccan fighter fleet 25th globally. Its wider military aviation inventory also includes 31 transport aircraft, 77 trainers and 73 helicopters.

4. Angola — 67

Angola ranks fourth on the continent with 67 fighter/interceptor aircraft.

The country has a substantial military aviation capability, although its fleet includes several different categories of aircraft beyond fighters, including trainers, transport aircraft and helicopters.

5. Sudan — 37

Sudan has 37 fighter/interceptor aircraft, according to the 2026 Global Firepower data.

The figure places Sudan ahead of several African countries with established air forces, although its overall military aviation inventory includes other aircraft categories as well.

6. Ethiopia — 25

Ethiopia ranks sixth in Africa with 25 fighter/interceptor aircraft.

The country also has a separate fleet of training aircraft and helicopters, meaning the 25 figure should not be interpreted as its total military aircraft inventory.

7. Kenya — 17

Kenya has 17 fighter/interceptor aircraft, placing it seventh among African countries in Global Firepower’s 2026 ranking.

8. Nigeria — 14

Nigeria ranks eighth in Africa with 14 fighter/interceptor aircraft.

9. Namibia — 11

Namibia is tied for ninth with 11 fighter/interceptor aircraft in Global Firepower’s 2026 dataset.

10. Tanzania — 11

Tanzania also has 11 fighter/interceptor aircraft, putting it level with Namibia for the final position in the top 10.