Which British Aircraft Shot Down the Most Enemy Planes in WWII

During the Second World War, the Royal Air Force operated an extraordinary mix of fighters, heavy fighters, and even bombers that all contributed to the air war. While some aircraft became icons, others remained overshadowed, yet each type played a crucial role in defending Britain and taking the fight deep into enemy territory.

Based on compiled kill counts and RAF victory claims, here are the top 11 British-operated aircraft with the most aerial victories during WWII.

The Defiant was an unusual two-seat fighter with a powered turret instead of forward-firing guns. Although its design was flawed for daylight combat, it enjoyed initial success and was later adapted to night-fighting roles.
Total victories: 148

Before becoming famous with the USAAF, the Mustang flew first with the RAF. Fast, long-ranged, and eventually fitted with the Merlin engine, it became a highly capable escort and interceptor.
Total victories: 185

A fearsome low-altitude fighter, the Tempest was one of the fastest piston-engine aircraft of the war. It excelled at destroying V-1 flying bombs and scored multiple victories against German jets and fighters.
Total victories: 239

Initially designed as a high-speed interceptor, the Typhoon later became famous as a devastating ground-attack aircraft. Despite this shift in role, it still racked up notable air-to-air kills, especially against low-flying Fw 190s.
Total victories: 246

Primarily a heavy bomber, the Lancaster is not typically associated with air-to-air combat. However, its numerous defensive guns and countless night raids led to hundreds of enemy aircraft being shot down by its gunners.
Total victories: 320

Known as the “Wooden Wonder,” the Mosquito was incredibly fast and versatile. In its night-fighter and intruder roles, it intercepted bombers, destroyed V-1s, ambushed enemy aircraft, and became one of the RAF’s most successful multi-role combat planes.
Total victories: 835

A powerful, twin-engine heavy fighter, the Beaufighter carried cannons, machine guns, rockets, and radar. It excelled in night-fighting and long-range missions across Europe, the Mediterranean, and the Pacific.
Total victories: 965

The workhorse of the early war, the Hurricane shot down more enemy aircraft than the Spitfire during the Battle of Britain. Reliable, stable, and rugged, it served in numerous theaters from Europe to North Africa and the Soviet Union.
Total victories: 4,540

Britain’s most iconic fighter and its most successful tops the list. Agile, continually upgraded, and flown by pilots across the Commonwealth, the Spitfire dominated from 1939 to 1945.
Total victories: 5,950

This ranking highlights the variety of Britain’s aircraft during WWII. Sleek single-seat fighters like the Spitfire and Hurricane earned the most victories, but heavy fighters such as the Mosquito and Beaufighter also scored hundreds of kills. Even the Lancaster bomber could be deadly when defending itself.

All together, these aircraft played a major role in securing Allied control of the skies and shaping the outcome of the war.