India’s Air Force now world’s third most powerful, leaving China behind; Pakistan misses top 10

The IAF becomes the third most powerful air force: This morning's news has filled every Indian with pride. In the latest report of the World Directory of Modern Military Aircraft (WDMMA), the Indian Air Force (IAF) has overtaken China to become the third most powerful air force in the world. After America and Russia, India's flag is now on top in terms of air power.

Aircraft numbers aren't everything

Although China has more fighter aircraft than India, the real strength of the IAF is its modern training, quick response, and precision strike capability. The WDMMA ranking is based not just on aircraft count but on combat strength, defense capability, logistics support, training, and technological advancement. On this scale, India achieved a True Value Rating (TVR) of 69.4, while China was stuck at 63.8. America tops the ranking with 242.9 and Russia with 114.2.

India's strength seen in Operation Sindoor

The recent Operation Sindoor made the whole world aware of India's air power. In this operation, IAF gave a befitting reply to the Pakistan Air Force and destroyed 12 of their fighter planes. Army's Director General of Military Operations (DGMO), Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai, said that during this period, more than 100 Pakistani soldiers were also killed on the Line of Control (LOC). This operation is living proof of India's strategic preparedness and military efficiency.

India's Focus: Both Machines and Humans

While China is spending billions of dollars to upgrade its air force, India's approach is different. We are paying equal attention not just to machines but to the training and combat readiness of our pilots. The excellent training, quick reaction, and precision strike capabilities of IAF pilots have brought India to this position.

Excellent coordination between the three services

India's strength is not limited to the Air Force alone. There is excellent coordination between the Army, Navy, and Air Force, which proves to be a game-changer in times of war. This was exemplified in Operation Sindoor. In comparison, even though Russia has more aircraft, it could not achieve air supremacy against Ukraine. At the same time, Israel showed how important strategy and technology are by capturing Iran's airspace in just four days in 2025.

India's future: higher in the sky

This achievement of the IAF has not only exposed India's military might to the world but also shown that with the right strategy, training, and coordination, any challenge can become minor. As India is improving its technology and training, our sky is becoming stronger.