Stood down: which types departed national fleets during our World Air Forces review?
We detail some of the most notable national fleet retirements recorded in the 12 months since we published our last World Air Forces directory at the end of 2024.
Once combined, our selection of deleted entries – which cover nine aircraft types, drawn from three regions and all six of our directory role categories – total some 122 airframes.
Taiwan phased out the last of its F-5 fighter/reconnaissance jets and trainers
Source: Ritchie B Tongo/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
Poland gave a colourful send-off to the final NATO-operated Su-22s
Source: WZL-2
New Zealand said farewell to its long-serving H-model Hercules, replacing them with new C-130Js
Source: New Zealand Defence Force
India’s air force retired the MiG-21 after 62 years of service. Croatia and Cuba also ended use of the Mikoyan-built type
Source: Anuj Jain/Shutterstock
The US Navy waved off its veteran EP-3E Aries II electronic intelligence-gatherers
Source: US Navy
The UK Royal Air Force ended operations with the Puma HC2 transport helicopter
Source: Crown Copyright
France sold its departing C-135 tanker fleet to private US operator Metrea
Source: French Air and Space Force
Kawasaki’s C-1 airlifter was withdrawn by lone operator the Japan Air Self-Defence Force
Source: AirTeamImages
Belgium withdrew its four TTH-variant NH90s from operational service
Source: NH Industries
Among other departures not included within our image selection, we record Nigeria as having ended use of the Dornier 128, Peru the Aermacchi MB-339, Spain the CASA C-101, and Tanzania the Shenyang F/FT-6.
We detail some of the most notable national fleet retirements recorded in the 12 months since we published our last World Air Forces directory at the end of 2024.
Once combined, our selection of deleted entries – which cover nine aircraft types, drawn from three regions and all six of our directory role categories – total some 122 airframes.
Taiwan phased out the last of its F-5 fighter/reconnaissance jets and trainers
Source: Ritchie B Tongo/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
Poland gave a colourful send-off to the final NATO-operated Su-22s
Source: WZL-2
New Zealand said farewell to its long-serving H-model Hercules, replacing them with new C-130Js
Source: New Zealand Defence Force
India’s air force retired the MiG-21 after 62 years of service. Croatia and Cuba also ended use of the Mikoyan-built type
Source: Anuj Jain/Shutterstock
The US Navy waved off its veteran EP-3E Aries II electronic intelligence-gatherers
Source: US Navy
The UK Royal Air Force ended operations with the Puma HC2 transport helicopter
Source: Crown Copyright
France sold its departing C-135 tanker fleet to private US operator Metrea
Source: French Air and Space Force
Kawasaki’s C-1 airlifter was withdrawn by lone operator the Japan Air Self-Defence Force
Source: AirTeamImages
Belgium withdrew its four TTH-variant NH90s from operational service
Source: NH Industries
Among other departures not included within our image selection, we record Nigeria as having ended use of the Dornier 128, Peru the Aermacchi MB-339, Spain the CASA C-101, and Tanzania the Shenyang F/FT-6.
Click here to access our free-to-download, 36-page 2026 World Air Forces directory, with full fleet listings.
Source link
Share This:
skylinesmecher
Plan the perfect NYC Memorial Day weekend
Pack only what you need and avoid overpacking to streamline the check-in and security screening…
LA’s worst traffic areas and how to avoid them
Consider using alternative routes, such as Sepulveda Boulevard, which runs parallel to the 405 in…
Dassault unveils Falcon 10X business jet with largest cabin
Dassault Aviation on 10 March unveiled its Falcon 10X large-cabin business jet, bringing the programme…
Jet2 introducing virtual-reality walkaround training after system’s regulatory approval
UK leisure carrier Jet2 is introducing a virtual-reality training device for pilots’ pre-flight aircraft inspections,…
Syos Aerospace ready to launch serial production of autonomous SA200 rotorcraft
Syos Aerospace is ready to launch serial production of its SA200 uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV),…
Qatari bank division to acquire widebody portfolio of Amedeo entity
Qatari-based financial institution Lesha Bank is to acquire the portfolio of 12 widebody jets held…
First flying BAe 146 faces uncertain future after airborne laboratory funding axed
British Aerospace’s first flying 146 prototype faces an uncertain future after funding for its atmospheric…
Court: Airline’s choice broke ‘extraordinary circumstance’ defence for subsequent delay
According to a European General Court judgement, a carrier cannot claim that extraordinary circumstances –…
Extra Dassault Aviation Mirage 2000-5 fighters to boost Ukrainian air force’s defences
Ukraine expects to take delivery of additional Dassault Aviation Mirage 2000-5 fighters from France, following…
Leonardo AW249 Fenice attack helicopter on track for delivery to Italian army in 2027
Leonardo Helicopters remains confident it will deliver the first AW249 Fenice attack helicopter to the…
A320neo crew sought to save time with intersection departure before aborted taxiway take-off
Belgian investigators have disclosed that an SAS Airbus A320neo had accelerated to 127kt before aborting…
Royal Navy helicopters arrive to boost defence of UK’s Akrotiri base in Cyprus
The UK has bolstered its defensive capability in the eastern Mediterranean, with new rotary-wing assets…