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Indian vs China Air Force, Know Aerial Strength Of Two Neighbouring Countries

Indian vs China Air Force holds a strong command on protecting the border regions from any unwanted threat. Indian and Chinese Air Forces rank among the most powerful in Asia. While China leads with a larger fleet and advanced jets like the J-20, India’s strength lies in pilot training, joint drills, and indigenous projects like AMCA and Tejas.
authorImageDivya Sharma23 Jul, 2025
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India vs China Air Force


Indian vs China Air Force:
India and China are the two neighbouring countries in the South Asian region. These countries are known for their air strength when it comes to protecting the border areas from any unwanted threat. Indian vs China Air Force comparison based on the number of fighter jets and air strength. The Chinese Air Force is known as the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF). PLAAF is continuously putting efforts into improving its air strength. Meanwhile, the Indian Air Force focused on pilot training and acquiring top-notch fighter jets for the air force. 

India vs China Air Force Comparison

The People's Liberation Army Air Force holds a strong command as compared to the Indian Air Force. IT comes while comparing the power of these two neighbouring countries. Candidates can check the key pointers provided regarding the Indian vs China Air Force Comparison. These are the approximate numbers provided in the table, subject to change with time.  

India vs China Air Force Comparison

Metric

Indian Air Force (IAF)

Chinese Air Force (PLAAF)

Total Combat Aircraft

~530

~1,800

Fighter Squadrons

~31 squadrons

~70+ squadrons

5th Gen Aircraft

In development (AMCA)

J-20 (operational), J-35 (testing)

Strategic Bombers

None

H-6 series

Stealth Capabilities

Limited (Rafale, Su-30 MKI mods)

Advanced (J-20, radar evasion tech)

India vs China Fighter Jets

IAF’s total combat aircraft is 900 and compared to China's 1700. The focus of IAF is on the growing indigenous capabilities. Indian vs China Air Force comparison data is expected values collected from numerous online sources. It is subject to change with time. Candidates can check the table regarding India vs China Fighter Jets. 

India vs China Fighter Jets

Category

India

China

Total Combat Aircraft

~900

~1,700

5th Gen Fighters

AMCA (in development), Rafale (4.5 Gen)

J-20 (operational), J-35 (testing phase)

4th Gen Fighters

Su-30MKI, Tejas Mk-1A, Mirage-2000

J-10C, J-11B, J-16

Carrier-Based Fighters

MiG-29K, Rafale-M (on order)

J-15, J-35 (future deployment)

Indigenous Platforms

Tejas Mk-1A, Mk-2, AMCA

J-10, J-20, J-35

 India vs China Air Strength

IAF’s focus has shifted from domestic manufacturing, combining foreign technology. Meanwhile, the Chinese Air Force focuses only on the indigenous system for its air strength. It has deployed surface-to-air missile systems. The availability of AEW&C Systems with India includes DRDO Netra, Phalcon (Israel), in the Indian vs China Air Force comparison. China has KJ-500 and KJ-2000. Still, IAF has limited access to the career-based Air Ops of INS Vikrant. A table with the information covered from multiple sources is provided in India vs China Air Strength. 

India vs China Air Strength

Capability

India

China

AEW&C Systems

DRDO Netra, Phalcon (Israel)

KJ-500, KJ-2000

Long-Range Missiles

Astra, BrahMos-A

PL-15, PL-21

S-400 Systems

Operational (Russian)

Deployed + Indigenous HQ systems

Carrier-based Air Ops

INS Vikrant (limited fighter ops)

Multiple carriers with stealth jets

 Indian Air Force vs Chinese Air Force

Indian Air Force vs Chinese Air Force: consider a list of the key highlights provided in the table. 

  • IAF focuses on the pilot experience and hardcore training programs with diverse terrain exposure. Meanwhile, China has less combat experience in the pilot training programs. 

  • In the Indian vs China Air Force, the focus of IAF is providing international exposure through joint operations and drills. Still, the Chinese Air Force is limited due to its limited exposure. 

  • The Chinese Air Force gets an advantage from the strong internal alliances. However, it lacks in the global defence partnerships. IAF gains a bonus point by getting the support from the Western powers. 

  • IAF is giving priority to the gradual modernisation with indigenous manufacturing. Chinese Air Force targets the rapid modernisation cycles with the high pace domestic production. 

Indian Air Force vs Chinese Air Force

Category

India Air Force

Chinese Air Force

Pilot Experience

Battle-hardened pilots with diverse terrain exposure

Less combat experience

Operational Exposure

More experienced in multinational air drills and joint operations

Limited international joint exercises

Strategic Alliances

Political partnerships with Western powers

Strong internal alliances; limited global defence partnerships

Fleet Size

Smaller fleet but with focused deployment

Larger fleet and manufacturing scale

Modernization Pace

Gradual modernisation with Western tech integration

Rapid modernisation cycles with domestic production

Aerospace Ecosystem

The growing aerospace industry with foreign collaborations

Integrated civil-military aerospace development

India-China Military Power

India-China Military Power details are compiled from various online sources in the table. India’s global rank is 4th, and China stands in 3rd place in the military power. China’s active personnel is around 2,035,000. India’s active personnel strength is 1,455,550. China gains an advantage in military personnel strength. India’s focus is on providing hardcore training to the personnel, making them capable of standing in different terrains and protecting the border regions. 

India-China Military Power

Metric

India

China

Global Rank

4th

3rd

Power Index Score

0.1184

0.0788

Defense Budget

$75 billion

$266.85 billion

Active Personnel

1,455,550

2,035,000

Reserve Personnel

1,155,000

510,000

Paramilitary Forces

2,527,000

625,000

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Indian vs China Air Force FAQs

Which is better, Indian vs China Air Force?

IAF has a strong force with a fleet of the trained pilots. However, China Air Force get advantage on large fleet size, advanced technology, and strategic assets.

What is the global rank of India in Military Power?

India is ranked in the 4th place in military power.

What is the aircraft strength available with the IAF in 2025?

Indian Air Force Aircraft strength in 2025 is around 2229. Therefore, it has secured 4th place in the world air force power in the world.

What is the total Combat Aircraft available to the Chinese Air Force?

The Chinese Air Force has a total Combat Aircraft of around 1700 combat aircraft. In comparison, India has 900 Combat Aircraft.
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