NEW DELHI – 18 October 2025:
According to several Indian media reports, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has officially surpassed China’s People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) to become the world’s third most powerful air force, following the United States and Russia.
The reports, citing a recent global defense ranking, credit the IAF’s advancement to modernization programs, indigenous aircraft production, and the acquisition of cutting-edge platforms such as the Rafale, Tejas Mk1A, and the upcoming AMCA stealth fighter.
Indian analysts claim the ranking reflects the IAF’s improved operational readiness, pilot training standards, and strategic airbase network, which together provide India with a “formidable edge” in the South Asian region.
“This is a proud moment for India. Our air force stands as a symbol of national strength and technological progress,”
an Indian defense expert told local media.
While the ranking has generated patriotic enthusiasm across Indian media circles, independent defense observers note that such indexes vary depending on evaluation criteria such as fleet diversity, logistics, and combat experience.
Nonetheless, the development underscores India’s continued investment in air power modernization and its ambitions to solidify its status as a global military power.
