List of active United Kingdom military aircraft
Updated: Wikipedia source
This is a list of military aircraft currently in service with the Armed Forces of the United Kingdom.
Tables
· Royal Air Force
Multi-Role Combat Aircraft
Multi-Role Combat Aircraft
Type
Multi-Role Combat Aircraft
Eurofighter Typhoon
Eurofighter Typhoon
Type
Eurofighter Typhoon
Origin
European (British, German, Italian, Spanish)
Class
Jet
Role
Multi-role
Introduced
2003
In service
110
Total
137
Notes
26 of 30 Tranche 1s (apart from 4, based in the Falklands) retired by 2025; Falklands-based Tranche 1s to retire, and be replaced, by 2027
Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning
Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning
Type
Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning
Origin
United States
Class
Jet
Role
Stealth Multi-role, including nuclear strike
Introduced
By 2030
In service
0
Total
(12)
Notes
12 F-35A to be procured by 2030; To support NATO nuclear mission and complement Royal Navy submarine-based nuclear forces.
Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning
Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning
Type
Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning
Origin
United States
Class
Jet
Role
Carrier-capable V/STOL Stealth Multi-role
Introduced
2013
In service
47
Total
48 (63)
Notes
Jointly operated with the Fleet Air Arm; 15 additional F-35B planned by 2033
AEW&C
AEW&C
Type
AEW&C
Boeing E-7 Wedgetail AEW
Boeing E-7 Wedgetail AEW
Type
Boeing E-7 Wedgetail AEW
Origin
United States
Class
Jet
Role
AW&C
Introduced
2026
In service
1
Total
(3)
Notes
Originally five envisaged, now reduced to three. 2025 defence review recommended the acquisition of additional aircraft.
Reconnaissance / Maritime Patrol
Reconnaissance / Maritime Patrol
Type
Reconnaissance / Maritime Patrol
Beechcraft Shadow R
Beechcraft Shadow R
Type
Beechcraft Shadow R
Origin
United States
Class
Propeller
Role
ISTAR
Introduced
2009
In service
8
Total
8
Notes
Expected OSD 2030. Current fleet expanded and upgraded.
Boeing RC-135W Rivet Joint
Boeing RC-135W Rivet Joint
Type
Boeing RC-135W Rivet Joint
Origin
United States
Class
Jet
Role
SIGINT
Introduced
2013
In service
3
Total
3
Notes
Formally known as Airseeker.
Boeing P-8 Poseidon MRA
Boeing P-8 Poseidon MRA
Type
Boeing P-8 Poseidon MRA
Origin
United States
Class
Jet
Role
ASW/Anti-ship
Introduced
2019
In service
9
Total
9
Tanker / Transport
Tanker / Transport
Type
Tanker / Transport
Airbus Voyager
Airbus Voyager
Type
Airbus Voyager
Origin
Airbus (European, Multinational)
Class
Jet
Role
Tanker / Transport
Introduced
2011
In service
14
Total
14
Transport
Transport
Type
Transport
Boeing C-17A Globemaster III
Boeing C-17A Globemaster III
Type
Boeing C-17A Globemaster III
Origin
United States
Class
Jet
Role
Transport
Introduced
2001
In service
8
Total
8
Airbus A400M Atlas C
Airbus A400M Atlas C
Type
Airbus A400M Atlas C
Origin
Airbus (European, Multinational)
Class
Propeller
Role
Transport
Introduced
2014
In service
22
Total
22
Notes
Up to six additional aircraft planned for procurement by 2030, or procurement of additional capacity in partnership with private sector providers.
Dassault Envoy IV CC
Dassault Envoy IV CC
Type
Dassault Envoy IV CC
Origin
France
Class
Jet
Role
Transport
Introduced
2022
In service
2
Total
2
Notes
Two aircraft to be introduced from March 2022. To be initially operated under civil contract until 2026.
Helicopter
Helicopter
Type
Helicopter
Boeing Chinook
Boeing Chinook
Type
Boeing Chinook
Origin
United States
Class
Rotorcraft
Role
Transport
Introduced
1980
In service
37
Total
51
Notes
14 HC 6A variants withdrawn from service; to be replaced by 14 CH-47-ER variants from 2027; overall operational numbers to stabilize at c. 51 helicopters
AW 149
AW 149
Type
AW 149
Origin
Italy
Class
Rotorcraft
Role
Transport
Introduced
From 2030
In service
0
Total
(23)
Notes
To replace former RAF Puma and Army Dauphin helicopters
Airbus H145 Jupiter HC
Airbus H145 Jupiter HC
Type
Airbus H145 Jupiter HC
Origin
European (Airbus Helicopters)
Class
Rotorcraft
Role
Transport
Introduced
2025/26
In service
3
Total
3
Notes
Replaced former Puma HC2s & deployed with 84 Squadron on Cyprus from 2026; 3 additional helicopters acquired by the AAC
Trainer Aircraft
Trainer Aircraft
Type
Trainer Aircraft
Airbus H135 Juno HT
Airbus H135 Juno HT
Type
Airbus H135 Juno HT
Origin
European (Airbus Helicopters)
Class
Rotorcraft
Role
Trainer
Introduced
2018
In service
29
Total
29
Notes
Forms part of the UK Military Flying Training System listed below but operated by RAF.
Airbus H145 Jupiter HT
Airbus H145 Jupiter HT
Type
Airbus H145 Jupiter HT
Origin
European (Airbus Helicopters)
Class
Rotorcraft
Role
Trainer
Introduced
2018
In service
7
Total
7
Notes
Forms part of the UK Military Flying Training System listed below but operated by RAF.
BAE Systems Hawk T
BAE Systems Hawk T
Type
BAE Systems Hawk T
Origin
United Kingdom
Class
Jet
Role
Jet trainer
Introduced
2009
In service
28
Total
28
Notes
Forms part of the UK Military Flying Training System listed below but operated by No. IV (R) Squadron & No. XXV(F) Squadron; aircraft to remain in service until 2040.
Beechcraft Texan T1
Beechcraft Texan T1
Type
Beechcraft Texan T1
Origin
United States
Class
Propeller
Role
Trainer
Introduced
2018
In service
14
Total
14
Notes
Forms part of the UK Military Flying Training System listed below but operated by RAF.
Embraer Phenom T
Embraer Phenom T
Type
Embraer Phenom T
Origin
Brazil
Class
Jet
Role
Trainer
Introduced
2018
In service
5
Total
5
Notes
Forms part of the UK Military Flying Training System listed below but operated by RAF.
Grob Prefect T
Grob Prefect T
Type
Grob Prefect T
Origin
Germany
Class
Propeller
Role
Trainer
Introduced
2018
In service
23
Total
23
Notes
Forms part of the UK Military Flying Training System listed below but operated by RAF.
Grob Tutor T
Grob Tutor T
Type
Grob Tutor T
Origin
Germany
Class
Propeller
Role
Trainer
Introduced
1999
In service
91
Total
119
Notes
Used by the RAF Air Experience Flight. 28 Tutors have been sold to the Finnish Air Force as of 2018.
Grob Viking T
Grob Viking T
Type
Grob Viking T
Origin
Germany
Class
Glider
Role
Trainer
Introduced
1990
In service
52
Total
91
Notes
The Grob Viking T1 is the RAF's primary aircraft for delivering basic glider and flight training to the RAF Air Cadets.
Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance UAVs
Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance UAVs
Type
Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance UAVs
Protector RG1
Protector RG1
Type
Protector RG1
Origin
United States
Class
UAV
Role
ISR / Attack
Introduced
2023
In service
10
Total
16
Notes
16 ordered; 10 aircraft delivered as of June 2025 with 4 in the UK and the other 6 in the US where they are used for testing and training; total of 16 aircraft to be delivered by end 2025
| Type | Origin | Class | Role | Introduced | In service | Total | Notes |
| Multi-Role Combat Aircraft | |||||||
| Eurofighter Typhoon | European (British, German, Italian, Spanish) | Jet | Multi-role | 2003 | 110 | 137 | 26 of 30 Tranche 1s (apart from 4, based in the Falklands) retired by 2025; Falklands-based Tranche 1s to retire, and be replaced, by 2027 |
| Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning | United States | Jet | Stealth Multi-role, including nuclear strike | By 2030 | 0 | (12) | 12 F-35A to be procured by 2030; To support NATO nuclear mission and complement Royal Navy submarine-based nuclear forces. |
| Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning | United States | Jet | Carrier-capable V/STOL Stealth Multi-role | 2013 | 47 | 48 (63) | Jointly operated with the Fleet Air Arm; 15 additional F-35B planned by 2033 |
| AEW&C | |||||||
| Boeing E-7 Wedgetail AEW | United States | Jet | AW&C | 2026 | 1 | (3) | Originally five envisaged, now reduced to three. 2025 defence review recommended the acquisition of additional aircraft. |
| Reconnaissance / Maritime Patrol | |||||||
| Beechcraft Shadow R | United States | Propeller | ISTAR | 2009 | 8 | 8 | Expected OSD 2030. Current fleet expanded and upgraded. |
| Boeing RC-135W Rivet Joint | United States | Jet | SIGINT | 2013 | 3 | 3 | Formally known as Airseeker. |
| Boeing P-8 Poseidon MRA | United States | Jet | ASW/Anti-ship | 2019 | 9 | 9 | |
| Tanker / Transport | |||||||
| Airbus Voyager | Airbus (European, Multinational) | Jet | Tanker / Transport | 2011 | 14 | 14 | |
| Transport | |||||||
| Boeing C-17A Globemaster III | United States | Jet | Transport | 2001 | 8 | 8 | |
| Airbus A400M Atlas C | Airbus (European, Multinational) | Propeller | Transport | 2014 | 22 | 22 | Up to six additional aircraft planned for procurement by 2030, or procurement of additional capacity in partnership with private sector providers. |
| Dassault Envoy IV CC | France | Jet | Transport | 2022 | 2 | 2 | Two aircraft to be introduced from March 2022. To be initially operated under civil contract until 2026. |
| Helicopter | |||||||
| Boeing Chinook | United States | Rotorcraft | Transport | 1980 | 37 | 51 | 14 HC 6A variants withdrawn from service; to be replaced by 14 CH-47-ER variants from 2027; overall operational numbers to stabilize at c. 51 helicopters |
| AW 149 | Italy | Rotorcraft | Transport | From 2030 | 0 | (23) | To replace former RAF Puma and Army Dauphin helicopters |
| Airbus H145 Jupiter HC | European (Airbus Helicopters) | Rotorcraft | Transport | 2025/26 | 3 | 3 | Replaced former Puma HC2s & deployed with 84 Squadron on Cyprus from 2026; 3 additional helicopters acquired by the AAC |
| Trainer Aircraft | |||||||
| Airbus H135 Juno HT | European (Airbus Helicopters) | Rotorcraft | Trainer | 2018 | 29 | 29 | Forms part of the UK Military Flying Training System listed below but operated by RAF. |
| Airbus H145 Jupiter HT | European (Airbus Helicopters) | Rotorcraft | Trainer | 2018 | 7 | 7 | Forms part of the UK Military Flying Training System listed below but operated by RAF. |
| BAE Systems Hawk T | United Kingdom | Jet | Jet trainer | 2009 | 28 | 28 | Forms part of the UK Military Flying Training System listed below but operated by No. IV (R) Squadron & No. XXV(F) Squadron; aircraft to remain in service until 2040. |
| Beechcraft Texan T1 | United States | Propeller | Trainer | 2018 | 14 | 14 | Forms part of the UK Military Flying Training System listed below but operated by RAF. |
| Embraer Phenom T | Brazil | Jet | Trainer | 2018 | 5 | 5 | Forms part of the UK Military Flying Training System listed below but operated by RAF. |
| Grob Prefect T | Germany | Propeller | Trainer | 2018 | 23 | 23 | Forms part of the UK Military Flying Training System listed below but operated by RAF. |
| Grob Tutor T | Germany | Propeller | Trainer | 1999 | 91 | 119 | Used by the RAF Air Experience Flight. 28 Tutors have been sold to the Finnish Air Force as of 2018. |
| Grob Viking T | Germany | Glider | Trainer | 1990 | 52 | 91 | The Grob Viking T1 is the RAF's primary aircraft for delivering basic glider and flight training to the RAF Air Cadets. |
| Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance UAVs | |||||||
| Protector RG1 | United States | UAV | ISR / Attack | 2023 | 10 | 16 | 16 ordered; 10 aircraft delivered as of June 2025 with 4 in the UK and the other 6 in the US where they are used for testing and training; total of 16 aircraft to be delivered by end 2025 |
· Royal Air Force › RAF Red Arrows
British Aerospace Hawk T
British Aerospace Hawk T
Type
British Aerospace Hawk T
Origin
United Kingdom
Class
Jet
Role
Trainer
Introduced
1980
In service
12
Total
12
Notes
Retired from aggressor role in March 2022; retained by the Red Arrows; to be retired by 2030.
| Type | Origin | Class | Role | Introduced | In service | Total | Notes |
| British Aerospace Hawk T | United Kingdom | Jet | Trainer | 1980 | 12 | 12 | Retired from aggressor role in March 2022; retained by the Red Arrows; to be retired by 2030. |
· Royal Air Force › RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight
Avro Lancaster (PA474)
Avro Lancaster (PA474)
Type
Avro Lancaster (PA474)
Origin
United Kingdom
Class
Propeller
Role
Heavy bomber
Introduced
1942
In service
1
Total
1
Notes
1 B
de Havilland Canada Chipmunk
de Havilland Canada Chipmunk
Type
de Havilland Canada Chipmunk
Origin
United Kingdom
Class
Propeller
Role
Trainer
Introduced
1946
In service
2
Total
2
Notes
2 T
Douglas Dakota
Douglas Dakota
Type
Douglas Dakota
Origin
United States
Class
Propeller
Role
Transport
Introduced
1942
In service
1
Total
1
Notes
1 C
Hawker Hurricane
Hawker Hurricane
Type
Hawker Hurricane
Origin
United Kingdom
Class
Propeller
Role
Fighter
Introduced
1937
In service
2
Total
2
Notes
2 Mk IIc
Supermarine Spitfire
Supermarine Spitfire
Type
Supermarine Spitfire
Origin
United Kingdom
Class
Propeller
Role
Fighter
Introduced
1938
In service
5
Total
6
Notes
1 Mk IIa, 1 Mk Vb, 1 LF Mk XVIe 2 PR Mk XIX
| Type | Origin | Class | Role | Introduced | In service | Total | Notes |
| Avro Lancaster (PA474) | United Kingdom | Propeller | Heavy bomber | 1942 | 1 | 1 | 1 B |
| de Havilland Canada Chipmunk | United Kingdom | Propeller | Trainer | 1946 | 2 | 2 | 2 T |
| Douglas Dakota | United States | Propeller | Transport | 1942 | 1 | 1 | 1 C |
| Hawker Hurricane | United Kingdom | Propeller | Fighter | 1937 | 2 | 2 | 2 Mk IIc |
| Supermarine Spitfire | United Kingdom | Propeller | Fighter | 1938 | 5 | 6 | 1 Mk IIa, 1 Mk Vb, 1 LF Mk XVIe 2 PR Mk XIX |
· Army Air Corps
Attack helicopters
Attack helicopters
Type
Attack helicopters
Boeing AH-64E Apache Guardian
Boeing AH-64E Apache Guardian
Type
Boeing AH-64E Apache Guardian
Origin
United States
Class
Helicopter
Role
Attack
Introduced
2022
In service
50
Total
50
Notes
50 Apache AH1 remanufactured to AH-64E specification. Armed with M230 cannon and JAGM, Hellfire K1 and Hellfire Romeo missiles.
Reconnaissance helicopters
Reconnaissance helicopters
Type
Reconnaissance helicopters
AgustaWestland Wildcat
AgustaWestland Wildcat
Type
AgustaWestland Wildcat
Origin
United Kingdom
Class
Rotorcraft
Role
Utility
Introduced
2014
In service
34
Total
34
Notes
Up to 8 helicopters serve with the Fleet Air Arm's 847 Squadron in support of the Royal Marines.
Transport helicopters
Transport helicopters
Type
Transport helicopters
Airbus H145 Jupiter HC
Airbus H145 Jupiter HC
Type
Airbus H145 Jupiter HC
Origin
European (Airbus Helicopters)
Class
Rotorcraft
Role
Transport
Introduced
2025/26
In service
3
Total
3
Notes
Replacing former Puma HC2s deployed with British Forces Brunei; three additional aircraft ordered for the RAF
Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin II
Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin II
Type
Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin II
Origin
France
Class
Rotorcraft
Role
United Kingdom Special Forces
Introduced
2009
In service
5
Total
6
| Type | Origin | Class | Role | Introduced | In service | Total | Notes |
| Attack helicopters | |||||||
| Boeing AH-64E Apache Guardian | United States | Helicopter | Attack | 2022 | 50 | 50 | 50 Apache AH1 remanufactured to AH-64E specification. Armed with M230 cannon and JAGM, Hellfire K1 and Hellfire Romeo missiles. |
| Reconnaissance helicopters | |||||||
| AgustaWestland Wildcat | United Kingdom | Rotorcraft | Utility | 2014 | 34 | 34 | Up to 8 helicopters serve with the Fleet Air Arm's 847 Squadron in support of the Royal Marines. |
| Transport helicopters | |||||||
| Airbus H145 Jupiter HC | European (Airbus Helicopters) | Rotorcraft | Transport | 2025/26 | 3 | 3 | Replacing former Puma HC2s deployed with British Forces Brunei; three additional aircraft ordered for the RAF |
| Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin II | France | Rotorcraft | United Kingdom Special Forces | 2009 | 5 | 6 | |
· Fleet Air Arm
Combat Aircraft
Combat Aircraft
Type
Combat Aircraft
Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning
Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning
Type
Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning
Origin
United States
Class
Jet
Role
Carrier-capable V/STOL Stealth Multi-role
Introduced
2013
In service
-
Total
-
Notes
Jointly operated with Royal Air Force. Initial Operational Capability (Maritime) in 2020; 809 Naval Air Squadron stood up in December 2023.
Attack/Reconnaissance helicopters
Attack/Reconnaissance helicopters
Type
Attack/Reconnaissance helicopters
AgustaWestland AW159 Wildcat HMA2
AgustaWestland AW159 Wildcat HMA2
Type
AgustaWestland AW159 Wildcat HMA2
Origin
United Kingdom
Class
Rotorcraft
Role
Attack
Introduced
2014
In service
28
Total
28
AgustaWestland AW101 Merlin HM2
AgustaWestland AW101 Merlin HM2
Type
AgustaWestland AW101 Merlin HM2
Origin
United Kingdom
Class
Rotorcraft
Role
ASW/AEW
Introduced
2000
In service
30
Total
44
Notes
Expected OSD 2040.
AgustaWestland AW159 Wildcat AH1
AgustaWestland AW159 Wildcat AH1
Type
AgustaWestland AW159 Wildcat AH1
Origin
United Kingdom
Class
Rotorcraft
Role
Utility/Reconnaissance
Introduced
2014
In service
-
Total
-
Notes
Up to 8 Army Air Corps aircraft tasked to 847 Naval Air Squadron in support of the Royal Marines.
Transport helicopters
Transport helicopters
Type
Transport helicopters
AgustaWestland AW101 Merlin Mk4/4A
AgustaWestland AW101 Merlin Mk4/4A
Type
AgustaWestland AW101 Merlin Mk4/4A
Origin
United Kingdom
Class
Rotorcraft
Role
Transport
Introduced
2000
In service
24
Total
25
Notes
One aircraft crashed September 2024; Expected OSD 2040.
Trainer Aircraft
Trainer Aircraft
Type
Trainer Aircraft
Grob Tutor
Grob Tutor
Type
Grob Tutor
Origin
Germany
Class
Propeller
Role
Trainer
Introduced
1999
In service
5
Total
5
Notes
Introductory fight training; operated by 727 Naval Air Squadron
Tactical vertical takeoff/landing UAV
Tactical vertical takeoff/landing UAV
Type
Tactical vertical takeoff/landing UAV
Peregrine
Peregrine
Type
Peregrine
Origin
Austria
Class
Rotorcraft UAV
Role
ISR
Introduced
2024
In service
2
Total
2
Notes
Formerly deployed on HMS Lancaster; future tasking unclear
| Type | Origin | Class | Role | Introduced | In service | Total | Notes |
| Combat Aircraft | |||||||
| Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning | United States | Jet | Carrier-capable V/STOL Stealth Multi-role | 2013 | - | - | Jointly operated with Royal Air Force. Initial Operational Capability (Maritime) in 2020; 809 Naval Air Squadron stood up in December 2023. |
| Attack/Reconnaissance helicopters | |||||||
| AgustaWestland AW159 Wildcat HMA2 | United Kingdom | Rotorcraft | Attack | 2014 | 28 | 28 | |
| AgustaWestland AW101 Merlin HM2 | United Kingdom | Rotorcraft | ASW/AEW | 2000 | 30 | 44 | Expected OSD 2040. |
| AgustaWestland AW159 Wildcat AH1 | United Kingdom | Rotorcraft | Utility/Reconnaissance | 2014 | - | - | Up to 8 Army Air Corps aircraft tasked to 847 Naval Air Squadron in support of the Royal Marines. |
| Transport helicopters | |||||||
| AgustaWestland AW101 Merlin Mk4/4A | United Kingdom | Rotorcraft | Transport | 2000 | 24 | 25 | One aircraft crashed September 2024; Expected OSD 2040. |
| Trainer Aircraft | |||||||
| Grob Tutor | Germany | Propeller | Trainer | 1999 | 5 | 5 | Introductory fight training; operated by 727 Naval Air Squadron |
| Tactical vertical takeoff/landing UAV | |||||||
| Peregrine | Austria | Rotorcraft UAV | ISR | 2024 | 2 | 2 | Formerly deployed on HMS Lancaster; future tasking unclear |
References
- Total inventory, including aircraft in maintenance at any given time
- To be procured to provide tactical nuclear strike capability but with "day-to-day" training role
- To be based at RAF Marham
- Includes the 4 used by No. 17(R) squadron based in the US listed below
- Includes 4 used by No. 17(R) squadron based in the US listed below; total of 63 will have been delivered by 2033; figure
- Final aircraft in initial batch delivered May 2023
- As detailed in source this also includes the 5 Tutor platforms which were operated by the Royal Navy, previously categor
- Military Registered Civil Owned Aircraft
- leased from the Ministry of Defence and operated on the military register under the Contractor Flying Approved Organisat
- IPA 1, IPA 5, IPA 6
- leased from the Ministry of Defence and operated on the military register under the Contractor Flying Approved Organisat
- UK Government Statisticshttps://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/mod-sets-out-retirement-and-fleet-numbers-for-typhoon/
- "Oral evidence: Work of the Chief of the Air Staff, HC 1108"https://committees.parliament.uk/oralevidence/12649/html/
- Govhttps://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/uk-armed-forces-equipment-and-formations-2022
- Air Force Technologyhttps://www.airforce-technology.com/features/what-uk-military-forces-are-based-at-the-falkland-islands/
- "What is in the Defence Command Paper for air and space capabilities?"https://www.airforce-technology.com/features/what-is-in-the-defence-command-paper-for-air-and-space-capabilities/
- UK Defence Journalhttps://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/mod-sets-out-retirement-and-fleet-numbers-for-typhoon/
- "UK to purchase nuclear-carrying fighter jets"https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c335406gxdvo
- Royal Air Forcehttps://www.raf.mod.uk/news/articles/raf-f-35a-marks-a-significant-step-in-delivering-a-more-lethal-integrated-force-and-joining-nato-nuclear-mission/
- GOVhttps://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-to-purchase-f-35as-and-join-nato-nuclear-mission-as-government-steps-up-national-security-and-delivers-defence-dividend/