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Defence affairs analysis

The United States, Russia, and France are the world’s three largest exporters of fighter aircraft—but other emerging players are closing in.

The global fighter jet export market can be viewed as a microcosm of global influence—encompassing both hard power and soft power. Today, the United States sits firmly atop the world’s top global fighter jet export market, with a commanding lead over the field both in terms of volume and value. No other nation stands a reasonable chance of matching the US export numbers in the near- or medium-term. But the export market is not a monopoly; two other nations also play a major role in global fighter sales, with other emerging powers gaining a growing market share as well.

The fighter export market is worth a detailed examination, both in terms of its current standing and its emerging trends—and the corresponding insights into global relevance and power. 

America

The American defense industry features some of the world’s most dominant companies—not strictly in terms of defense companies, but in terms of any company. The result, naturally, has positioned the United States appropriately to dominate the fighter export market. Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and Boeing in particular have delivered thousands of military aircraft worldwide over the past 50 years, marking an overt win for the capitalistic system. 

France

France has rapidly ascended into the number two slot, an emerging force in the fighter export market. France’s success is owed primarily to a single platform: the Dassault Rafale, a fourth-generation-plus multirole fighter that enjoys enduring popularity in India, Egypt, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Greece. France’s arms industry also benefits from maintaining political independence from the United States and NATO-aligned restrictions, opting to sell to countries that might not have access to American aircraft.

Geopolitics aside, the Rafale itself is an attractive aircraft—with advanced avionics, proven combat performance, and a versatility and flexibility that make the jet a viable alternative to either the American or Russian stable of jets. Around 500 Rafales have been built or purchased in advance, split roughly evenly between the French Air Force and foreign military sales.

Russia

(UAC) UNITED AIRCRAFT CORPORATION : Russia (and the former Soviet Union) are historically the second-largest exporter of fighter aircraft—but have recently fallen into third, following France’s sudden ascendency as well as the demands of the ongoing war in Ukraine. Russia is nowhere near the United States in terms of volume or value, but has managed to retain a strong presence in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. The most widely exported jets in the Russian lineup include the Sukhoi Su-30, Su-35, and Mikoyan MiG-29. 

EMERGING MARKET

China

Chengdu aircraft corporation (CAC) & shenyang aircraft corporation (SAC)

Chinese indigenous production of fighter aircraft finally accelerating, home-grown products like the Chengdu J-10 and JF-17 (co-produced with Pakistan) are allowing Beijing to expand its export footprint. Countries in Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia are especially attracted to Chinese products for their low price tag and solid performance in the recent India-Pakistan conflict.