The United States Air Force (USAF) operates a vast network of military installations worldwide, each playing a crucial role in projecting air power and supporting global operations. One of the most straightforward metrics to assess the scale of these installations is the number of aircraft stationed at each base. While exact fleet counts are often classified, estimates can provide insight into the size and significance of these bases.
This article highlights five of the largest USAF bases by aircraft capacity, excluding the ‘Boneyard’ at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, where retired aircraft are stored.
Eglin Air Force Base: A Hub of Testing and Training
Located in Florida, Eglin Air Force Base ranks as one of the largest installations, hosting more than 90 aircraft. The base is distinguished by its extensive testing and training facilities, which include vast ranges for weapon trials. Eglin serves multiple units involved in testing, training, and specialized operations, with a core fleet of around 90 to 100 aircraft, including the F-15 Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon, and F-35 Lightning.
Key units at Eglin include the 96th Test Wing, which manages the base and oversees the primary weapons testing mission, and the 33rd Fighter Wing, a major training unit for F-35 pilots. Eglin’s expansive range facilitates large-scale live-fire testing, making it a critical center for the development and testing of new aerial weaponry since its establishment as a gunnery range during World War II.
Kadena Air Base: Strategic Operations in the Pacific
Situated in Okinawa, Japan, Kadena Air Base is the largest and most active USAF installation in Asia, currently hosting over 90 aircraft. The base is vital to regional security, especially amid evolving threats from North Korea and China. The transition from aging F-15C/D Eagles to new fourth- and fifth-generation fighters like the F-15EX and F-35 is ongoing, with a permanent fleet of 36 F-15EX Eagle IIs expected to be fully operational by 2026.
Originally an Imperial Japanese Air Force airfield, Kadena has evolved significantly since its capture by U.S. forces during the Battle of Okinawa in 1945. The base’s strategic importance was further solidified during the Cold War, and it now plays a central role in U.S. military operations throughout the Pacific.
Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson: A Key Arctic Installation
Located in Alaska, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER) is notable for its strategic significance in both the Arctic and Indo-Pacific regions. Formed by merging Elmendorf Air Force Base and Fort Richardson in 2010, JBER houses a diverse fleet of over 100 aircraft, supporting various missions from air dominance to search and rescue operations.
The base is home to the active duty 3rd Wing, known as the ‘Grim Reapers,’ and the Air National Guard’s 176th Wing. The fleet primarily consists of fifth-generation Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptors and various support aircraft such as the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III. JBER played a crucial role throughout the Cold War and continues to adapt its capabilities to meet modern challenges.
Little Rock Air Force Base: The Center of Tactical Airlift
Little Rock Air Force Base, located in Jacksonville, Arkansas, is a cornerstone of the Air Force’s global combat airlift and training missions. With a focus primarily on the C-130 Hercules transport aircraft, the base hosts around 100 C-130s on average, making it a vital training hub for aircrews from all branches of the U.S. military.
Established in 1955, Little Rock AFB has evolved into a center of excellence for tactical airlift, providing training for airdropping troops and supplies in combat scenarios and humanitarian missions. The base also hosts the largest international flight training program, collaborating with 47 allied nations.
Luke Air Force Base: The Largest Fighter Wing
Luke Air Force Base, located in Arizona, is recognized as the largest fighter wing in the Air Force, operating at least 150 aircraft, including F-35s and F-16s. The base serves as a key training facility for combat-ready fighter pilots and has become a significant hub for F-35 activities.
In June 2023, Luke celebrated a milestone with the graduation of its 1,500th F-35 pilot, illustrating its critical role in preparing the next generation of fighter pilots. The base’s history dates back to 1940, originally serving as a training base and later evolving into a major pilot training center during World War II.
These five installations exemplify the USAF’s commitment to maintaining a robust and adaptive airpower network, crucial for both national and global security. Each base plays a unique role in the overall mission of the Air Force, contributing to its operational readiness and strategic capabilities.
