Indian Air Force Ranks Third in WDMMA Global Airpower List 2026

Key facts

• The World Directory of Modern Military Aircraft (WDMMA) ranked the Indian Air Force (IAF) third in its 2026 global airpower rankings.
• The IAF outranked China’s People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF), which was placed fourth, for the fifth time since 2022.
• The United States Air Force (USAF) and the Russian Air Force secured the first and second positions respectively.
• WDMMA uses a proprietary True Value Rating (TVR) system to evaluate 103 air forces based on fleet size, composition, modernisation, and logistical support.
• The IAF fleet comprises 1,716 aircraft, including 542 fighters, 498 helicopters, 282 transports, and 374 trainers.
• The helicopter segment includes 222 Mi-17 units and 111 Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Dhruv and Rudra helicopters.
• The IAF currently operates 29 fighter squadrons against a sanctioned strength of 42 squadrons.
• To address fleet gaps, the IAF has ordered 180 Tejas Mk-1A fighters and is pursuing the procurement of 114 Rafale fighters.
• The MiG-21 was retired from the IAF in September 2025, while Jaguars, Mirage 2000s, and MiG-29s are scheduled for retirement through the 2030s.