Western fighter jet order backlogs ranked in 2026
An overview of outstanding orders for Western fighter jets places six types at the top of the backlog, while noting that comparable figures for Russian and Chinese jets are far less certain.
A ranking of Western fighter jets by the number still on order places six types at the top of the 2026 backlog, according to the source.
Most Western aerospace manufacturers publish precise figures for their fighter jets on order. That is not the case for countries such as China, where it is unclear how many jets the military plans to buy for its own use, and exports are equally uncertain.
The source cites Uzbekistan's purchase of Chinese J-10CEs: the deal was not fully confirmed until the first batch of six aircraft had already arrived in the country.
The ranking therefore covers only Western fighter jets and leaves out Russian and Chinese types.
Sources
- simpleflying.comThe 6 Western Fighter Jets Ranked By Number On Order In 2026