How Many Fighter Jets Does the U.S. Navy Have?
The United States Navy is a powerful naval force, equipped with a vast array of aircraft, including fighter jets. These multirole aircraft play a critical role in the Navy’s air campaign, providing air superiority, close air support, and maritime strike capabilities. So, how many fighter jets does the U.S. Navy have? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the Navy’s fleet of fighter jets and explore the current numbers.
The Answer:
According to the Navy’s FY2020 budget request, the Navy operates a total of 642 fighter jets. These aircraft are part of the Navy’s aviation inventory and are used for various tasks, including combat operations, training, and test flights.
The Fleet Composition:
The Navy’s fighter jet fleet is comprised of several aircraft types, each with its unique characteristics and capabilities. Here are some of the main aircraft types:
| Aircraft Type | Number in Service | Role |
|---|---|---|
| F/A-18E/F Super Hornet | 514 | Multirole fighter jet, air superiority, ground attack |
| F/A-18C/D Hornet | 244 | Multirole fighter jet, air superiority, ground attack |
| F/A-18A/B Hornets | 134 | Multirole fighter jet, air superiority, ground attack (retiring soon) |
F/A-18E/F Super Hornet:
The F/A-18E/F Super Hornet is the most advanced and most numerous aircraft in the Navy’s fleet. With over 500 aircraft in service, the Super Hornet has become the mainstay of the Navy’s fighter force. The aircraft has been upgraded with improved engines, avionics, and sensors, providing increased capability and reliability. The Super Hornet can perform various roles, including air superiority, ground attack, and reconnaissance.
F/A-18C/D Hornet:
The F/A-18C/D Hornet is another versatile aircraft in the Navy’s fleet. While the Hornets are older and less capable than the Super Hornets, they still serve an important role in the Navy’s air campaign. With 244 aircraft in service, the Hornets will remain in service for the next few years, with the majority being phased out as the Super Hornets take their place.
F/A-18A/B Hornets:
The F/A-18A/B Hornets are the oldest aircraft in the Navy’s fleet and are scheduled for retirement. With 134 aircraft in service, the Hornets have been providing air superiority and ground attack capabilities since the 1980s. While the aircraft is being retired, the Navy is still operational with these aircraft, using them as a stopgap measure until the Super Hornets and next-generation aircraft take over.
Next-Generation Fighter Jets:
The Navy is currently acquiring the F-35C Lightning II, a next-generation stealth fighter jet designed to provide advanced capabilities for air-to-air combat and ground attacks. The Navy has 60 F-35Cs on order, with the first batch expected to be delivered by 2023. The F-35C is expected to replace the Hornet fleet and provide advanced capabilities, including stealth capabilities and the ability to integrate with advanced sensors and combat systems.
Conclusion:
The U.S. Navy has a total of 642 fighter jets, comprised of F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, F/A-18C/D Hornets, and F/A-18A/B Hornets. While the Super Hornets are the most numerous and advanced aircraft in the fleet, the Hornets still serve an important role. The Navy is currently retiring the Hornets and replacing them with the Super Hornets, with the F-35C Lightning II on the horizon. With the Super Hornets and next-generation fighter jets, the Navy’s fighter jet fleet will remain a powerful and formidable force for years to come.
