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World air forces december 2009 Flightglobal Insight | World Air Forces December 2009 Flightglobal Insight | World Air Forces December 2009 foreWord While the global economic downturn has had an adverse effect on military procurement plans in some parts of the world, operational imperatives have, in most cases, seen nations go ahead with planned major acquisitions. This year has seen the first confirmed international or- ders for Lockheed Martin’s F-35 Joint Strike Fighter - from Australia, the Netherlands and the UK. The type appears set to dominate the combat aircraft sector in coming years, with over 3,000 more planned to be sold to the program- meís partner nations. Demand for new transports, combat helicopters and special-mission aircraft is also high, prompted for many nations by the need to support NATO-led operations in the harsh environment of Afghanistan, which provides a tough test for legacy equipment now in service. Flight’s World Air Forces directory this year lists more than 58,000 military aircraft in the active inventories of almost 160 nations, and details confirmed and planned orders for over 11,000 more. The US armed services account for the largest national share of the global military fleet in all categories, having more than three times the number of active aircraft than second-placed Russia, and an overall share of 24%. But with the next three places in our top 10 being held by Chi- na, India and Japan, Asiaís combined military strength to- tals almost twice the number of combat aircraft that North America has - almost 6,000 platforms. With the fewest combat aircraft in current use, Latin America’s largest near-term fighter requirement - Brazilís initially 36-aircraft FX-2 deal - had yet to be concluded as this directory was published. Although a selection could slip into 2010, Dassault appears to have stolen a march with its Rafale in the battle against the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and Saabís Gripen NG. CRAIg hOyLE: deFence edItor, FlIght InternatIonal All three types remain in contention for India’s longer- term medium multirole combat aircraft requirement, fac- ing the Eurofighter Typhoon, Lockheed F-16 and RSK MiG-35 in pursuing the programme for at least 126 air- craft. In-country evaluations will continue through the middle of next year, but a selection will not be made in a hurry. Meanwhile, war-affected countries such as Afghanistan and Iraq are striving to establish credible air wings after years of conflict. Kabul has received its first two mod- ernised Alenia Aeronautica G222 transports during 2009, plus its first new Mil Mi-17 transport helicopters for many years. Its wider aspirations include a future lightweight fighter buy, which would support its ability to ensure sta- bility as coalition forces eventually reduce their presence in Afghanistan. Iraq’s post-Saddam Hussein-era air force also continues to grow, with two Beechcraft T-6A trainers having just been delivered, and recent requests made for new fleets of light and medium utility helicopters. Although financial turmoil has reached even the previ- ously unruffled Gulf and embarrassed Dubai, the region remains a key target for Western manufacturers, as it looks to grow beyond the roughly 4,000 military aircraft now in use. Recent orders have included sales of the Typhoon fight- er, Boeing C-17 and Lockheed C-130J transports, Alenia Aermacchi M-346 and Pilatus PC-21 trainers, and Saab’s 340-based airborne early warning and control aircraft, and more deals will follow. Times may be tough, but in the military sector, nations that fail to invest adequately in new aircraft and equip- ment risk falling rapidly behind their potential future ad- versaries - a risk few major countries are willing to run. Nations around the world are continuing to modernise their military air arms, despite the global economic crisis. We list their current fleets and purchase plans. Flightglobal’s Unmanned newsletter To receive a FREE fortnightly comprehensive review of news in the unmanned sector with content from Flight International and Flightglobal.com, simply sign up at: www.flightglobal.com/subscribe