24/7 Wall St. Insights
- Currently, the U.S. Navy has 547 F/A-18 Super Hornet aircraft, known for its supersonic twin-engine and capabilities in a range of different missions.
- The U.S. Navy received over $200 billion in government funding in 2024, making it our country’s 2nd-highest funded military branch behind the Air Force.
- Naval planes are used for multiple missions and needs, including stealth and reconnaissance, tracking and targeting maritime vessels, and supporting other naval needs.
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Electric vehicles have taken our world by storm. Conversations around sustainable travel and lower emissions are running rampant. But what about electric aircraft? While electric aircraft still aren’t a significant part of public discussions to the point, these aircraft are being explored in a more militaristic capacity. Specifically, the U.S. Navy is currently testing a new eSTOL (electric short take-off and landing) aircraft designed to reach or land in difficult-to-reach areas. More interestingly, this aircraft can also work as a power generator, offering support on the (literal) ground level. The eSTOL plane is still in development. But luckily, the U.S. Navy has quite a few more aircraft it can fly instead. (The Navy also has a variety of great ships and vessels, including this submarine that can dive deeper than 800 feet.)
The U.S. Navy’s current warplanes serve several roles, ranging from air supremacy to maritime control. The combination of combat fighter jets, reconnaissance aircraft, and even electronic warfare planes creates an incredible adversary for any enemy. Here at 24/7 Wall St., we compiled a list of every active plane in the U.S. Navy. We used data from the 2023 report World Air Forces from FlightGlobal, an aviation and aerospace industry website, and ranked the aircraft by the number of units in active service. Additionally, we’ve included interesting facts on the type of aircraft, how many are in active service, and how many are on order. We’ve also included data on each aircraft’s first flight, which we obtained from various military and historical sources.
The cornerstone of the Navy’s combat aviation fleet is the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and its predecessor, the F/A-18 Hornet. These jets are equipped with advanced avionics and weapons systems and are designed with strike missions, air superiority, and aerial reconnaissance in mind. F/A-18s have proven to be essential in combat aircraft missions across the world.
Outside of the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, some of the Navy’s standout aircraft include the multi-role stealth fighter F-35C Lightning II, which is part of the next generation and an addition to the fleet, and the EA-18G Growler. Developed by Lockheed Martin, the F-35C Lightning II aircraft incorporates the latest technologies, making it among the most advanced fighters on the planet. (Check out the most widely used fighter jets on Earth.)
The EA-18G Growler, an advanced electronic warfare aircraft, is generally tasked with jamming enemy radar and communication systems and is an essential aircraft for ensuring air superiority in contested environments. These aircraft feature advanced radar and onboard electronic systems that offer capabilities beyond just targeting. Another key component of the Navy’s patrol and strike capabilities is the Boeing P-8 Poseidon. These aircraft play a role in tracking and targeting submarines and surface ships.
Here are the planes actively used in the U.S. Navy:
Why Are We Covering This?
24/7 Wall St. would like our readers to understand where their tax dollars are being spent. The Navy received $202.6 billion in government funding in 2024, second only to the Air Force at $216.1. billion. In fiscal year 2025, the Navy has requested $16.6 billion of its funding to purchase 75 aircraft and helicopters, which is actually slightly less than in 2024.
25. C-130 Super Hercules
- How Many are Active in the Navy? 1 (tied)
- First Flight: April 1996
- Currently on Order: 0
24. de Havilland DHC-3 Otter
- How Many are Active in the Navy? 1 (tied)
- First Flight: December 1951
- Currently on Order: 0
23. de Havilland DHC-2 Beaver
- How Many are Active in the Navy? 2 (tied)
- First Flight: August 1947
- Currently on Order: 0
22. Gulfstream C-20
- How Many are Active in the Navy? 2 (tied)
- First Flight: September 1985
- Currently on Order: 0
21. KC-130 Hercules
- How Many are Active in the Navy? 10 (tied)
- First Flight: January 1960
- Currently on Order: 0
20. Northrop T-38 Talon
- How Many are Active in the Navy? 10 (tied)
- First Flight: March 1959
- Currently on Order: 0
19. EP-3 Ares II
- How Many are Active in the Navy? 11
- First Flight: November 2002
- Currently on Order: 0
18. Beechcraft C-12 Huron
- How Many are Active in the Navy? 13 (tied)
- First Flight: October 1972
- Currently on Order: 0
17. Beechcraft T-34 Mentor
- How Many are Active in the Navy? 13 (tied)
- First Flight: December 1948
- Currently on Order: 0
16. F-16 Fighting Falcon
- How Many are Active in the Navy? 14
- First Flight: January 1974
- Currently on Order: 0
15. Boeing E-6 Mercury
- How Many are Active in the Navy? 16
- First Flight: February 1987
- Currently on Order: 0
14. C-40 Clipper
- How Many are Active in the Navy? 17 (tied)
- First Flight: April 2000
- Currently on Order: 0
13. C-130 Hercules
- How Many are Active in the Navy? 17 (tied)
- First Flight: August 1954
- Currently on Order: 0
12. Martin P-3 Orion
- How Many are Active in the Navy? 17 (tied)
- First Flight: November 1959
- Currently on Order: 0
11. C-2 Greyhound
- How Many are Active in the Navy? 30
- First Flight: November 1964
- Currently on Order: 0
10. F-5 Freedom Fighter
- How Many are Active in the Navy? 31
- First Flight: July 1959
- Currently on Order: 0
9. F-35 Lightning II
- How Many are Active in the Navy? 35
- First Flight: December 2006
- Currently on Order: 216
8. F/A-18 Hornet
- How Many are Active in the Navy? 52
- First Flight: November 1978
- Currently on Order: 0
7. Beechcraft Super King Air
- How Many are Active in the Navy? 56
- First Flight: October 1972
- Currently on Order: 0
6. E-2 Hawkeye
- How Many are Active in the Navy? 73
- First Flight: October 1960
- Currently on Order: 34
5. Boeing P-8 Poseidon
- How Many are Active in the Navy? 116
- First Flight: April 2009
- Currently on Order: 12
4. EA-18G Growler
- How Many are Active in the Navy? 152
- First Flight: August 2006
- Currently on Order: 0
3. T-45 Goshawk
- How Many are Active in the Navy? 189
- First Flight: April 1988
- Currently on Order: 0
2. T-6 Texan
- How Many are Active in the Navy? 293
- First Flight: April 1935
- Currently on Order: 29
1. F/A-18 Super Hornet
- How Many are Active in the Navy? 547
- First Flight: November 1995
- Currently on Order: 76
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