In a surprising shift in global military rankings, India has overtaken China to claim the position of the world’s third most powerful air force. The updated ranking is based on the World Directory of Modern Military Aircraft (WDMMA), which evaluates factors like fleet size, capabilities, logistics, modernization, and operational reach.
The United States retains its top spot, followed by Russia, while China now occupies the fourth position. The new list covers 103 nations and includes 129 separate air services—including those of the army, navy, and marines—across a total of over 48,000 aircraft.
India’s rise reflects both quantitative and qualitative improvements. With a fleet exceeding 1,700 aircraft, the Indian Air Force (IAF) maintains a balanced composition—fighters, helicopters, trainers, and support platforms are all part of its wings. Its modernization efforts, investment in training, and demonstrated operational readiness have also contributed to its upward movement in the rankings.
Strategic people note that this change hints at a broader restructuring of power dynamics in Asia. While China remains a major force, India’s acceleration in air strength underlines the growing emphasis on regional deterrence, infrastructure development, and technological investment in the Indian defense ecosystem.
