How Many Fighter Aircraft Does India Have?
As one of the top-ranked military powers in Asia, India’s air defense is a crucial aspect of its national security. A substantial portion of India’s air power is comprised of fighter aircraft, which plays a vital role in territorial defense, air-to-ground attacks, and air support. In this article, we’ll explore the current number and breakdown of fighter aircraft that India possesses.
Air Force Strength
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is the prime component of India’s aviation industry, responsible for carrying out various military operations across the country. As per the latest data available on the IAF’s website, the force has 1,900 aircraft assets in its inventory. Approximately 40% of this fleet consists of fighter planes.
Fighter aircraft squadrons
The Indian Air Force maintains 33 fighter squadrons, each comprising multiple types of aircraft. These squadrons are strategically deployed along India’s borders, along the coastlines, and at various airbases inland.
Types of fighter aircraft
India operates two main types of fighter planes: Single-Seat Aircraft and Fighter-Bomber Types.
Single-Seat Aircraft:
Tejas (light combat aircraft): 102 operational aircraft
Rafale (multirole combat aircraft): 60 operational aircraft (ordered up to 114)
Sukhoi 30MKI (fighter jet): 283 operational aircraft
Fighter-Bomber Types:
MiG-29 (Russian multirole fighter): 63 operational aircraft (32 upgraded to a significant extent)
Su-30MKI (Russian heavy fighter, attack, and reconnaissance capability): 240 operational aircraft
Jaguars (French-Majorcan multirole trainer/attack aircraft): 137 operational aircraft
< Table: Breakdown by squadron type>
| Wing Number | Squadron Type |
| — | — |
| 1-21 | Single-Seat fighter squadron (Tejas + Rafale) |
| 22-27 | MiG-29/U/C squadron |
| 28-31 | Fighter-bomber squadron |
| 32-32 | Su-30 squadron |
**Other fighter units:**
**Mi-24/35** armed helicopter squadrons: _25_ operational aircraft (~half of which are actively serviceable)
**Douglas C-47 Gunships**: _4 operational aircraft_ (used only in a limited capacity during times of crisis)
India also has a small selection of **trainer aircraft, helicopters, and transport/communications planes**, which serves crucial roles in the entire defense setup.
**Ongoing and Future Plans for the IAF**
Multiple developments are underway to enrich and modernize the India Air Force’s capabilities and **fighter aircraft inventory. **
* **MRCA (Medium Multi-role Combat Aircraft)**: Replacement program for the aging Indian aircraft fleet, with new generation fighter jets.
**Make in India**:** indigenously developed aerospace program, focusing on developing a indigenous Tejas Mark II/LCA (Light Combat Aircraft).
**Conclusion**
Indira Gandhi’s India holds approximately **450** effective and operational fighter aircraft, forming the backbone of national security. The Indian air defense is a robust unit with a diverse range and the capacity to respond decisively to any emerging situational demands.
