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Indian Air Force (IAF) has once again increased the prestige of the country at the global level. The Indian Air Force has secured third place in the world in the Global Airpower Ranking for the year 2026 released by the ‘World Directory of Modern Military Aircraft’ (WDMMA). This is the fifth consecutive time since 2022 that India has maintained its lead by leaving behind China’s ‘People’s Liberation Army Air Force’ (PLAAF).
India’s dominance after America and Russia, this is how strength is decided
According to the latest global report, the Indian Air Force is behind only America and Russia among the world’s top powers. WDMMA conducts in-depth evaluation of more than 48,000 aircraft from 129 air forces of 103 countries. For this the ‘True Value Rating’ (TVR) system is used. This rating is given not only on the count of fighter planes, but on the basis of the modern firepower of the planes, logistics support, ability of indigenous manufacturing and the right balance of fighter planes and helicopters (Fleet Mix).
Indian Air Force is roaring in the sky with 1,716 aircraft
According to statistics, the Indian Air Force is currently operating a total of 1,716 fighter and support aircraft. This powerful fleet includes 542 fighter jets of seven different categories (which also includes the soon-to-be-retired MiG-21). Also in the sky fleet:
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Helicopter: 498 (which includes 222 Mi-17 and 111 indigenous HAL Dhruv and Rudra)
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Transport Aircraft: 282 cargo aircraft
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Trainer Aircraft: 374 (specially designed for training pilots)
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Special Mission Aircraft: 20 (air refueling tankers and reconnaissance aircraft)
Mega plan to remove shortcomings: 180 Tejas and Rafale will be entered
While WDMMA has praised India’s strength, it has also mentioned some challenges of the fleet. At present, IAF has only 29 active fighter squadrons as against the sanctioned 42 squadrons. Along with this, there is a need to increase the number of mid-air refuelers and airborne early warning systems (AEW&C).
The Air Force is fully prepared to overcome these shortcomings rapidly. Under this, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) 180 indigenous Tejas Mk-1A A huge order for fighter planes has been placed. moreover, 114 new Rafale fighter jets Work is also underway on a plan to purchase, so that the shortage of Jaguar, Mirage 2000 and MiG-29 aircraft that will be retired in the 2030s can be easily met.