This country belongs to South America and has more than 600 combat aircraft. Photo: composition by Fabrizio Oviedo/La República/Infodefensa
In April 2024, Argentina marked a milestone by signing a deal to purchase 24 F-16 Fighting Falcon fighters from Denmark, which attracted the attention of several neighboring countries in South America and Latin America. However, it faces an essential challenge to consolidate itself as a leader and emulate the model of another South American nation, which has an arsenal of 600 combat aircraft and is located among the top fifteen in the Flight Global world ranking.
This event significantly increases Argentina’s military profile and reinforces its defense capacity in a global context that is perceived as increasingly uncertain. Although a precise date for the delivery of the aircraft has not yet been established, their future integration represents a notable improvement in the country’s defensive capabilities. In addition, it positions Argentina in a leadership position in the region in terms of military aerial technology.
What is the country with the most air power in Latin America?
To date, Brazil dominates the air scene in South America and Latin America, with a fleet that includes Northrop F-5 Tiger II supersonic fighters and the advanced Saab Gripen, which represent the latest in combat technology (it has 665 war aircraft). However, with the recent Argentine purchase of the F-16s, this country aspires to balance the scales and challenge Brazilian leadership in the aerial field.
What is the air power of the main Latin American countries?
In Latin America, different countries have developed air fleets of considerable size. For example, Chili It has 46 F-16 fighters, which gives it an outstanding attack and defense capacity. In addition, Venezuela and Peru They have fleets that include combat aircraft of Russian and American origin, respectively. For its part, in the north of the continent, Mexico has a more modest fleet, composed mainly of F-5 Tiger II models, and its defense investments are relatively low in comparison.
What is the country with the most air forces in the world?
At a global level, USA tops the ranking with an overwhelming air fleet, which includes more than 13,000 aircraftfollowed by Russia and China, countries that also invest massively in air capacity as part of their defense and power projection strategies.
What are the 15 countries with the most air power in the world?
In addition to the United States, Russia and China, the list includes powers such as India, South Korea and Japan, all with extensive and modern air fleets. Within this elite, Brazil is in position 15 and is the only Latin American representativethanks to its continued investment in high-tech fighter aircraft.
- USA: 13,209 aircraft
- Russia: 4,255 aircraft
- China: 3,304 aircraft
- India: 2,296 aircraft
- South Korea: 1,576 aircraft
- Japan: 1,459 aircraft
- Pakistan: 1,434 aircraft
- Egypt: 1,080 aircraft
- Türkiye: 1,069 aircraft
- France: 976 aircraft
- North Korea: 947 aircraft
- Saudi Arabia: 897 aircraft
- Italy: 850 aircraft
- Taiwan: 737 aircraft
- Brazil: 665 aircraft.
How much does Peru spend on combat aircraft?
Peru maintains a competent fleet of 60 aircraft, among which are MiG-29 and Mirage 2000 fighters, reflecting a defense policy that seeks to combine models and technologies from different origins. Despite having a significant fleet, Peruvian spending on combat aircraft remains moderate, suggesting a strategy of balancing military capacity and fiscal responsibility.
The Peruvian Air Force (FAP) currently has several combat aircraft in its arsenal. The main models include:
- MiG-29SMT: They are modernized multifunctional fighters.
- Mirage 2000: Fighter aircraft that have also been modernized in their electronic systems.
- Sukhoi Su-25: Jets specialized in close air support.
These aircraft form the backbone of the FAP combat fleet and are strategically located in bases close to the borders for the defense of the territory. In addition, Peru has shown interest in updating its fleet with the acquisition of more modern models, such as the Rafale or Eurofighters, and has also explored options with Russian suppliers for the modernization of its current aircraft and the possible purchase of new models.
What is the country with the largest naval force in the world?
Russia has managed to surpass the United States and China as the country with the largest naval force in the world. According to the report of Global Fire Power (GFP), this is due to the strategic investment in defense and modernization of its navy. In this way, cutting-edge technology was incorporated, which, together with the capacity of its agents, has allowed its development and global leadership.
- Nuclear Submarines: Russia has nuclear attack submarines and ballistic missile submarines. The Borei class submarines, for example, are equipped with Bulava-type intercontinental ballistic missiles.
- Cruise ships: The nuclear cruiser Pyotr Velikiy is one of the most powerful ships in the Russian Navy, equipped with cruise missiles, anti-aircraft systems and torpedoes.
- Destroyers and Frigates: Ships such as the Admiral Gorshkov class are highly equipped with missile systems for air defense, surface attack and anti-submarine capabilities.
- Cruise Missiles: Kalibr missiles are widely used in the Russian fleet, capable of hitting targets at great distances, both on land and at sea. Also highlighted are the Tsirkon hypersonic missiles, designed to evade advanced air defense systems.
- Air Defense Systems: Systems such as the S-400 and the more recent S-500, which although primarily ground systems, have variants or equivalents for naval use that offer protection against enemy aircraft and missiles.
The country with the largest military force in the world
The United States is positioned as the country with the most powerful military force in the world, according to the Global FirePower (GFP) report. This country achieves a Pwrlndx index of 0.0699, where a score of 0.0000 is considered “perfect” and ranks first among the 145 countries evaluated. In this way, it consolidates its leadership in the ranking for 18 consecutive years.
The country has a significant contingent of reservists, with a total of 189,500 members of the US military, according to the warpowerus web portal, making it one of the largest forces both in the region and globally.
