The Global Times, the official mouthpiece of the Communist Party of China, quoted Chinese military analyst Zhang Junshe, who dismissed the rankings, stating that true military strength is measured by actual combat capability, not just numbers on paper.
The Global Times also highlighted that the Indian Air Force (IAF) sources its aircraft and equipment from various countries, including the US and Russia, underscoring the complexity of India’s foreign and security policies.
Zhang warned that the media hype from the US and India might be intended to stoke competition between China and India, potentially leading to misunderstandings and escalating tensions.
Zhang Junshe is a researcher at the People’s Liberation Army Naval Military Academic Research Institute.
India’s Air Force: Fewer Planes, Greater Operational Readiness
While India has fewer aircraft overall than China, it is considered to have superior operational capability due to the IAF’s well-balanced fleet, advanced training, and modern weapon systems.
India’s air fleet numbers 1,716 aircraft, with approximately 31.6% fighter jets, 29% helicopters, and 21.8% trainer aircraft. The focus is on pilot training, flexible deployment, and rapid mission execution, resulting in a balanced and effective force.
In contrast, China fields 3,733 aircraft, including 68.7% fighters, 24.4% helicopters, and just 10.7% trainers. Although China has a large number of fighters, its relative lack of trainers and helicopters impacts the overall quality and operational strength of its air force.
India Leads China by Five Points in Rankings
The rankings come from the World Directory of Modern Military Aircraft (WDMMA), which tracks over 48,000 aircraft worldwide. Using TruVal ratings, the WDMMA evaluates 103 countries and 129 air force branches, including army, navy, and marine aviation.
According to Newsweek, India’s rise in these rankings signals a strategic shift in Asia’s balance of power.
The rankings consider multiple factors beyond sheer numbers, including:
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Advanced technology and aircraft modernization
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Operational training and readiness
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Logistical support and maintenance
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Domestic manufacturing capacity
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Variety of missions
This holistic approach explains why India, despite fewer aircraft than China, ranks higher due to its balanced fleet, modern weapons, and versatile operational capabilities.
Air Power Scores: US, Russia, India, and China
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US Air Force: 242.9
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Russian Air Force: 114.2
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Indian Air Force: 69.4
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Chinese Air Force: 63.8
About the Global Times
The Global Times is a prominent Chinese newspaper and online platform affiliated with the People’s Daily, the official publication of China’s ruling Communist Party (CPC). It serves as a key voice for China’s government, reflecting official policy and ideology.
Founded in 1993 and headquartered in Beijing, the Global Times operates under the control of the CPC’s Propaganda Department. Published in both Chinese and English, it aims to enhance China’s global image and counter what it calls “anti-China” narratives from Western media.l
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