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List of Indian Military Aircraft, Check list with Full Details

List of Indian Military Aircraft: Find out a comprehensive list of Indian Military Aircraft, covering the diverse range of air assets serving the nation's defence.
authorImageNigam Sharma12 May, 2025
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List of Indian Military Aircraft

List of Indian Military Aircraft: Indian Military aircraft covered a long journey in terms of quality and quantity. Please read this article to check the List of Indian Military aircraft and learn about the various planes and helicopters that safeguard our nation.

List of Indian Military Aircraft

The Indian military has a formidable fleet of aircraft, ranging from combat fighters to surveillance drones, helicopters, and trainers. This comprehensive article will look into the extensive inventory of Indian military aircraft, highlighting the diverse origins, types, and variants that constitute this aerial armada. These aircraft are essential in safeguarding the nation's security interests, aiding in surveillance, transportation, combat missions, and more. With almost 2,000 aircraft in service across the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard, this list showcases India's armed forces' technological prowess and strategic capabilities.

Indian Airforce Aircrafts

India's Air Force is equipped with a diverse fleet of aircraft designed to fulfil various combat, reconnaissance, transport, and training roles. This table offers an organized overview of the Indian Air Force's impressive array of aircraft, including their origins, types, variants, and the number of units currently in service. From iconic fighter jets like the MiG-21 to advanced multi-role aircraft such as the HAL Tejas, this table provides essential insights into the Indian Air Force's aviation assets.

Also Check - Indian Army History, Roles, and Functions

IAF Combat Aircrafts

The Indian Air Force (IAF) operates a formidable fleet of combat aircraft that forms the backbone of its aerial defence capabilities. This table provides essential insights into the IAF's combat aircraft, showcasing their origins, types, variants, and the number of units currently in service.

Aircraft Origin Type Variant In Service
MiG-21 Soviet Union Fighter   128
MiG-29 Russia Multirole MiG-29UPG 65
HAL Tejas India Multirole Mk.1 / 1A 32
Mirage 2000 France Multirole 2000 H/I 45
Sukhoi Su-30MKI Russia Multirole   248
Dassault Rafale France Multirole EH/DH 36
SEPECAT Jaguar United Kingdom Ground Attack IM/IS 130

IAF AWACS

The Indian Air Force (IAF) deploys a sophisticated fleet of Airborne Early Warning and Control System (AWACS) and reconnaissance aircraft, vital for surveillance, intelligence gathering, and airspace superiority. This table provides crucial information on the IAF's AWACS and reconnaissance assets, showcasing their origins, types, variants, and the number of units currently in service.

Aircraft Origin Type Variant In Service
Embraer R-99 Brazil AEW&C   2
Beriev A-50 Soviet Union AEW&C A-50EI 3

IAF Reconnaissance Aircrafts

Aircraft Origin Type Variant In Service
Boeing 707 United States Surveillance   1
Global 5000 United States ELINT   2
Gulfstream G100 Israel Surveillance 1125 Astra 2
Gulfstream III United States ELINT SRA 3

IAF Tankers

The Indian Air Force (IAF) relies on a fleet of dedicated tanker aircraft to provide crucial aerial refuelling support, extending the operational range and endurance of its combat and transport aircraft. This table offers insights into the IAF's tanker capabilities, detailing the origin, type, variant, and number of tankers in service. Among them is the Ilyushin Il-78MKI, equipped with an Israeli fuel-transfer system, ensuring efficient refuelling operations for various aircraft in the IAF's inventory.

Aircraft Origin Type Variant In Service
Ilyushin Il-78 Soviet Union Aerial Refueling Il-78MKI 6

IAF Transport Aircrafts

The Indian Air Force (IAF) operates a diverse fleet of transport aircraft designed to fulfil various vital roles, including troop transport, cargo logistics, and VIP transport. These aircraft are indispensable in ensuring the IAF's mobility and ability to deploy personnel and supplies rapidly across the nation and beyond. This table provides an overview of the IAF's transport aircraft, detailing their origins, types, variants, and the number of aircraft in service.

Aircraft Origin Type Variant In Service
Boeing 737 United States VIP Transport 737-700 3
Boeing 777 United States VIP Transport 777-300ER 2
Boeing C-17 United States Strategic Airlifter   11
Ilyushin Il-76 Soviet Union Strategic Airlifter Il-76MD 17
Antonov An-32 Ukraine Transport   103
Embraer Legacy 600 Brazil VIP Transport   4
Dornier Do 228 Germany Transport 228-201 54
EADS CASA C-295 Spain Transport C-295MW  
C-130J Super Hercules United States Tactical Airlifter C-130J-30 12
Hawker Siddeley HS 748 United Kingdom Transport   57

IAF Helicopters

Helicopters play a pivotal role in the Indian Air Force's (IAF) operational capabilities, offering versatility and agility for various missions, including troop transport, attack, reconnaissance, and search and rescue. The IAF maintains an extensive fleet of indigenous and foreign-origin helicopters to meet its diverse operational requirements. This table offers a comprehensive overview of the IAF's helicopter fleet, listing their origins, types, variants, and the number of helicopters in service.

Aircraft Origin Type Variant In Service
Mil Mi-17 Russia Utility Mi-17V-5 250
Mil Mi-24 Russia Attack Mi-24/25/35 15
HAL Dhruv India Utility   107
HAL Rudra India Attack   16
Alouette III France Liaison Chetak 77
SA 315B Lama India Utility Cheetah 17
Boeing AH-64 United States Attack AH-64E 22
CH-47 Chinook United States Transport CH-47F 15

IAF Trainer Aircraft

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is renowned for its aerial prowess and operational excellence. The IAF relies on a fleet of advanced trainer aircraft to maintain its high standards. In Table 5, we explore the realm of Indian Air Force Trainer Aircraft. These aircraft, which include the BAE Hawk, HAL Kiran, HAL HTT-40, HAL Tejas (conversion trainer), and Pilatus PC-7, are instrumental in shaping the skills and expertise of the next generation of IAF pilots.

Aircraft Origin Type Variant In Service
BAE Hawk United Kingdom Jet Trainer Hawk 132 102
HAL Kiran India Jet Trainer   78
HAL HTT-40 India Basic Trainer   70 on order
HAL Tejas India Conversion Trainer Mk. 1 8
Pilatus PC-7 Switzerland Trainer Mk II 75
Pipistrel Virus Slovenia Basic Trainer   72

IAF UAV

In the ever-evolving landscape of military technology, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have emerged as indispensable tools for modern armed forces. The Indian Air Force (IAF) is no exception, as it harnesses the power of UAVs to enhance surveillance, reconnaissance, and operational capabilities. Here, we will look into the world of IAF UAVs, exploring the various types and variants at their disposal.

Aircraft Origin Type Variant In Service
IAI Heron Israel Surveillance Heron 1 49
IAI Searcher Israel Surveillance Mk. I / II  
MQ-9 Reaper United States Surveillance SeaGuardian 2

Army Aviation Corps Aircraft

The Indian Army's Aviation Corps is vital in supporting ground forces with a fleet of utility and attack helicopters. This table highlights the aircraft the Army Aviation Corps utilised, showcasing their origins, types, variants, and current operational status. From the versatile HAL Dhruv to the formidable Boeing AH-64 Apache, these aircraft contribute significantly to the Indian Army's operational capabilities.

Aircraft Origin Type Variant In Service Notes
Helicopters
HAL Dhruv India Utility   145 73 on order
HAL Rudra India Attack   75  
Alouette III France Liaison/Utility Chetak 4 License-built by HAL
SA 315B Lama France Liaison/Utility Cheetah 37 License-built by HAL - 8 on order
HAL Prachand India Attack   3 2 on order
Boeing AH-64 United States Attack AH-64E(I)   6 on order
UAV
IAI Heron TP Israel Surveillance Heron TP   16 Heron on order
IAI Searcher Israel Surveillance Mk. I / II    
Switch India Surveillance     Undisclosed quantities on order

Also, Check - Top 10 Powerful Countries In The World By Military Strength

Naval Air Arm

The Indian Naval Air Arm is the seaborne aviation branch of the Indian Navy, responsible for ensuring maritime security and projecting naval power across the vast Indian Ocean region. In this table, we embark on a journey through the formidable aircraft that constitute the backbone of the Indian Naval Air Arm. From advanced combat aircraft like the HAL Tejas and MiG-29K, to maritime patrol aircraft such as the Boeing P-8I and Ilyushin Il-38, these machines are at the forefront of naval aviation, ensuring the safety of India's maritime interests.

Aircraft Origin Type Variant In Service Notes
Combat Aircraft
HAL Tejas India Multirole Mk.1 8 on order  
MiG-29 Russia Multirole MiG-29K 45 9 KUB variants provide conversion training
AWACS
Kamov Ka-31 Russia AEW   14 Employs a Planar array radar
Maritime patrol
Boeing P-8 United States ASW / Patrol P-8I 12  
Ilyushin Il-38 Soviet Union ASW / Patrol   4  
Dornier Do 228 Germany Surveillance 228-201 24 11 on order[1]
Britten-Norman BN-2 United Kingdom Utility / Patrol BN-2B/2T 4  
Helicopters
HAL Dhruv India Utility   17 8 on order[1]
Kamov Ka-27 Russia ASW Ka-28 14  
Westland Sea King United Kingdom SAR / Utility Mk.42B/C 25 Six are UH-3H variants
HAL Chetak France Liaison / Utility   36 6 on order[1]
SH-60 Seahawk United States ASW / SAR MH-60R 2 22 on order[1]
Trainer Aircraft
BAE Hawk United Kingdom Jet Trainer Hawk 132 17  
HAL Kiran India Jet Trainer   20  
UAV          
IAI Heron Israel Surveillance Heron 1    
IAI Searcher Israel Surveillance Mk. I / II    
MQ-9 Reaper United States Surveillance Sea Guardian 2  

Indian Coast Guard Aircraft

Rom maritime patrol aircraft like the Dornier Do 228, ensuring constant surveillance, to versatile helicopters like the HAL Dhruv and HAL Chetak, aiding in critical operations at sea, these aerial assets form an integral part of the Indian Coast Guard's mission to protect and serve. Let us explore the skies with these guardians of India's coastal waters and witness their unwavering commitment to maritime safety and security.

Aircraft Origin Type Variant In Service Notes
Maritime patrol
Dornier Do 228 Germany Reconnaissance 101/201 23 2 on order
Helicopters
HAL Dhruv India Utility Mk. I / Mk. III 4 / 16  
HAL Chetak India Utility   17  

Defence Exams Related Links
Top 10 Strongest Airforces of the World Top 10 Army in the World
Know about Apache Helicopters What is Hamas?
Role of Paramilitary Forces in India Know about Marcos Commandos
History of Defence System of India Know About Iron Dome
Army HQ Southern Command Group C Recruitment Indian Army Western Command Group C Recruitment

 

List of Indian Military Aircraft FAQs

Q1. What is the total number of Indian military aircraft in service?

Ans. India's armed forces operate approximately 2000 military aircraft across the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard.

Q2. Which country is the primary origin of India's combat aircraft?

Ans. India sources combat aircraft from various countries, including Russia, France, and the United Kingdom.

Q3. How many MiG-21 aircraft are currently in service with the Indian Air Force?

ans. The Indian Air Force operates 128 MiG-21 fighter aircraft.

Q4. How many Boeing C-17 aircraft are in service with the Indian Air Force for strategic airlifting?

Ans. The Indian Air Force operates 11 Boeing C-17 Globemaster III aircraft for strategic airlifting.

Q5. What is the primary mission of the HAL Dhruv helicopter in the Indian Air Force?

Ans. The HAL Dhruv serves as a utility helicopter in the Indian Air Force and is used for various missions, including troop transport and search and rescue.

Q6. Which trainer aircraft are used by the Indian Air Force to train its pilots?

Ans. The Indian Air Force utilizes trainer aircraft like the BAE Hawk, HAL Kiran, HAL HTT-40, HAL Tejas (conversion trainer), and Pilatus PC-7 for pilot training.

Q7. How does the Indian Air Force utilize Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)?

Ans. The Indian Air Force employs UAVs for surveillance, reconnaissance, and operational support to enhance its capabilities.

Q8. Which aircraft are operated by the Indian Coast Guard for maritime patrol and surveillance?

ans. The Indian Coast Guard utilizes aircraft like the Dornier Do 228 and helicopters such as the HAL Dhruv and HAL Chetak for maritime patrol and search and rescue operations.
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