How many Zeros were built in total?

Short answer

Figures vary by source: the USSBS report gives 10,934 aircraft (10,094 A6M, 323 A6M2-N, and 517 A6M-K), while Francillon gives 11,291 (10,449 A6M, 327 A6M2-N, 508 A6M2-K, and 7 A6M5-K). Japan built more Zeros than any other fighter model during the war.

Published: November 5, 2026 · Updated: November 5, 2026 · Edited by Above Ten Thousand · Editorial policy

Zero Akagi Dec1941

Two production counts

The USSBS report puts production at 10,934 aircraft, of which 10,094 were A6M, 323 A6M2-N, and 517 A6M-K. Francillon's count raises the total to 11,291 units: 10,449 A6M, 327 A6M2-N, 508 A6M2-K, and 7 A6M5-K. That figure of 10,449 A6M is also the one generally cited as the Zero's overall production, a model that never stopped being built throughout the war. The totals include variants built in small numbers, such as Nakajima's A6M2-N "Rufe" floatplane, derived from the Model 11 with a slightly modified tail.

Two factories for one fighter

The large orders forced production to be split between Mitsubishi's and Nakajima's factories. Mitsubishi built 3,879 Zeros, and Nakajima, under license, another 6,538.

Japan's most-produced combat aircraft

Japan produced more Zeros than any other fighter aircraft model during the war. The Zero was built in greater numbers than any other aircraft type of the Second World War and is cited as the most-produced aircraft by any air force in the conflict.