Militaries Across the World Are Still Buying This 50-Year-Old Attack Aircraft

"Some of today's military aircraft (e.g., B-52 Stratofortress, KC-135 tanker, or C-130 transport) are based on original designs from the 1950s. They have been updated and improved over the years, but the fundamental structures remain similar to the original versions. However, modern fighters like the F-35, Rafale, Typhoon, J-20, or Su-57 are entirely new designs. Despite the latest technology and military advancements seen in fifth-generation fighter jets, today's militaries regularly purchase updated or re-manufactured variants of aircraft created more than 50 years ago."

"24/7 Wall St. is taking a look at combat aircraft being ordered by world militaries from older models like the L-39 Albatros to newer fifth-generation fighter jets. To identify the oldest combat aircraft (and a few of the newest/future models) of world militaries, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed the 2024 World Air Forces report from FlightGlobal, an aviation and aerospace industry publication. We also included supplemental data on the type of aircraft, how many of these aircraft are in active service, and what militaries employ these aircraft."

Some current military aircraft (e.g., B-52, KC-135, C-130) are based on original 1950s designs and retain similar fundamental structures despite numerous updates. Modern fighters such as the F-35, Rafale, Typhoon, J-20, and Su-57 represent entirely new fifth-generation designs with advanced technologies. Militaries continue to purchase updated or remanufactured variants of aircraft that were originally created more than 50 years ago. Data from the 2024 World Air Forces report (FlightGlobal) and supplemental service counts identify the oldest and newest combat aircraft on order by world militaries. A ranked list of aircraft models on order highlights both legacy and modern platforms.

Read at 24/7 Wall St.