Believe it or not! These 5 countries have fighter jets but no pilots to fly them
In this article, we explore five such countries without fighter jet pilots, uncovering the reasons why these expensive war machines remain grounded.
1. Afghanistan: Fighter Jets Left Behind After Withdrawal
After the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan in 2021, several fighter aircraft, including A-29 Super Tucanos and Mi-17 helicopters, were left behind. Now under Taliban control, these fighter jets are mostly unusable.
The main issue? A complete lack of trained pilots. Earlier, the U.S. had trained Afghan forces and provided maintenance support. But in the absence of this expertise, the fighter jets are nothing more than military showpieces. Afghanistan neither has the budget nor the technical know-how to maintain or operate them effectively.
2. Chad: Fighter Jets Grounded by Budget Limitations
In 2014, Chad purchased MiG-29 fighter jets from Ukraine, aiming to strengthen its air force. However, the country faces severe financial constraints and an ongoing shortage of trained fighter jet pilots.
On occasion, Chad has hired foreign pilots or military contractors to operate its aircraft, but this approach is unsustainable and costly. Today, the jets are rarely flown and mostly serve as a symbol of military status rather than functional defence tools.
3. Libya: Once a Strong Air Force, Now in Ruins
Libya once possessed a formidable air force featuring aircraft such as the MiG-21, MiG-23, and Mirage F1. These fighter jets played a central role during Muammar Gaddafi's reign. However, years of civil war have devastated the nation's military infrastructure.
Airbases have been bombed, skilled pilots have either perished or fled, and training facilities have been dismantled. Libya is now one of the leading countries without fighter jet pilots. The remaining jets are either rusting away or being stripped for spare parts.
4. Somalia: Fighter Jets with No One to Fly Them
Somalia once had Soviet-supplied MiG jets decades ago. However, years of political unrest and internal conflict have rendered the country's air force inactive.
Due to a complete breakdown in training programmes and aviation infrastructure, Somalia's fighter jets are now just museum pieces. The government currently has no plans to revive its air force, meaning these aircraft will remain permanently grounded.
5. Yemen: A Military Force Crippled by War
Yemen's air force formerly operated jets like the Su-22 and MiG-29. But the country has been battered by years of civil war, air raids, and political instability.
Most airstrips and training centres have been destroyed. Pilots have either been lost in the conflict or are no longer active. Yemen simply lacks the resources to train new fighter jet pilots, and as a result, the jets remain parked and powerless.
Why Keep Fighter Jets That Can't Be Flown?
You might wonder why these nations continue to keep fighter jets they can't operate. The answer lies in perception and power.
Fighter jets are often seen as symbols of sovereignty and military strength. They are showcased during national parades, displayed at diplomatic events, and even used in political negotiations. Despite not being combat-ready, these aircraft serve as status symbols on the global stage.
Some nations hope that they'll be able to train pilots in the future or receive assistance from allies. Others keep these jets for prestige, even if they never take flight.
The High Price of Training Fighter Jet Pilots
Becoming a fighter pilot isn't easy—or cheap. It typically takes 2 to 3 years of intense training and millions of dollars in investment per pilot. Nations also need advanced simulators, expert instructors, maintenance crews, and consistent access to fuel and spare parts.
For war-torn or underdeveloped countries, these requirements are often out of reach. And without trained pilots, even the most advanced fighter jet is reduced to a grounded piece of machinery.
Fighter Jets Alone Don't Define Military Strength
In today's world, owning a fighter jet does not automatically equate to military power. Countries like Libya, Afghanistan, Chad, Somalia, and Yemen remind us that real defence strength comes from people, infrastructure, and long-term investment, not just machines.
These are some of the few countries without fighter jet pilots, where impressive aircraft remain grounded due to conflict, poverty, or lack of training. This unusual reality shows that national power is more than just hardware—it's about the ability to use it effectively.
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