WDMMA 2026 Global Rankings: IAF ranked 3rd air power for 5th year; stays ahead of China
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has been ranked as the third most powerful air force globally in the 2026 WDMMA rankings, maintaining its position ahead of China's PLAAF. The ranking is based on a proprietary system evaluating fleet quality, modernization, and operational capability.
Why it matters
This ranking highlights India's strategic military standing and modernization efforts in the context of regional geopolitical competition with China.
NEW DELHI: For the fifth consecutive time, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has retained third position in the world as the third-most powerful air arm in the World Directory of Modern Military Aircraft (WDMMA) 2026 Global Air Power Rankings, remaining ahead of China’s People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF).Only the air forces of the US and Russia rank above the IAF, according to the rankings.The IAF currently operates a fleet of 1,716 aircraft, including 542 combat and attack aircraft, across seven different types. Though the fleet size (3,733 aircraft) of the Chinese air force is larger than that of India, WDMMA evaluates the quality and balance of an air force fleet more than its sheer numerical advantage.The annual assessment evaluates 129 air services across 103 countries and analyses more than 48,000 military aircraft worldwide.
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