In May 2025, escalating tensions between India and Pakistan have once again thrust their military capabilities into the global spotlight. Following a deadly attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that killed 26 people, India launched Operation Sindoor, a series of airstrikes targeting nine sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Pakistan condemned these strikes as a “blatant act of war,” resulting in retaliatory actions and a significant military standoff .
At the heart of this confrontation lies the aerial prowess of both nations. Let’s delve into the active combat aircraft fleets of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) and the Indian Air Force (IAF), examining their capabilities, strengths, and strategic roles.
🇵🇰 Pakistan Air Force: A Blend of Indigenous and Imported Strength
The PAF boasts a diverse fleet, combining indigenous designs with advanced foreign aircraft to maintain a formidable air defense.
1. Chengdu J-10C (J-10 Vigorous Dragon)
- Role: Multirole Fighter
- Introduction: March 2022
- Fleet Size: 20 units
- Overview: The J-10C, a Chinese-made multirole fighter, enhances the PAF’s capabilities with advanced avionics and weaponry.
2. JF-17 Thunder
- Role: Multirole Fighter
- Introduction: February 2010
- Fleet Size: 161 units (including Block 1, 2, and 3 variants)
- Overview: Developed jointly with China, the JF-17 serves as the backbone of the PAF, offering versatility in various combat scenarios .
3. F-16 Fighting Falcon
- Role: Multirole Fighter
- Introduction: January 1983
- Fleet Size: 85 units
- Overview: The American-made F-16 provides the PAF with advanced air-to-air and air-to-ground capabilities, complementing its indigenous fleet.
4. Mirage III & Mirage 5
- Role: Multirole Fighter & Attack Aircraft
- Introduction: 1968 & 1970
- Fleet Size: 135 units
- Overview: French-made aircraft, extensively upgraded under Project ROSE, continue to serve in specialized roles.
5. F-7PG
- Role: Interceptor
- Introduction: 2002
- Fleet Size: 60 units
- Overview: Chinese-made interceptors, currently being replaced by JF-17Cs.
6. Trainer Aircraft
- K-8
- Role: Intermediate Jet Trainer
- Introduction: 1994
- Fleet Size: 60 units
- Overview: Jointly produced with China, the K-8 serves as a training platform for PAF pilots.
🇮🇳 Indian Air Force: A Technologically Advanced Force
The IAF operates a diverse and technologically advanced fleet, emphasizing modernization and self-reliance.
1. Dassault Rafale
- Role: Multirole Fighter
- Introduction: 2020
- Fleet Size: 36 units
- Overview: French-made aircraft, inducted to enhance the IAF’s strike capabilities and air superiority.
2. Sukhoi Su-30MKI
- Role: Multirole Fighter
- Introduction: 2002
- Fleet Size: 272 units
- Overview: Russian-made aircraft, customized for Indian requirements, forming the backbone of the IAF’s fleet.
3. Mikoyan MiG-21
- Role: Multirole Fighter
- Introduction: 1963
- Fleet Size: 31 units
- Overview: Older aircraft, being phased out and replaced by newer platforms.
4. HAL Tejas
- Role: Multirole Fighter
- Introduction: 2015
- Fleet Size: 38 units
- Overview: Indigenous aircraft developed under the “Make in India” initiative, aimed at reducing dependence on foreign suppliers .
5. Trainer Aircraft
- Pilatus PC-7 MkII
- Role: Basic Trainer
- Introduction: 2013
- Fleet Size: 75 units
- Overview: Swiss-made trainers, used for initial pilot training.
🛡️ Comparative Analysis: Strengths and Strategic Implications
| Feature | Pakistan Air Force (PAF) | Indian Air Force (IAF) |
|---|---|---|
| Fleet Size | Approximately 500 aircraft | Approximately 700 aircraft |
| Technological Edge | Focus on modernization with J-10C and JF-17 | Emphasis on advanced platforms like Rafale and Tejas |
| Indigenous Capability | Strong collaboration with China for JF-17 | Significant progress with HAL Tejas under “Make in India” |
| Strategic Focus | Regional deterrence and defense | Power projection and regional dominance |
| Recent Exercises | Participation in Exercise Spears of Victory-2025 in Saudi Arabia, showcasing JF-17’s capabilities | Conducted Exercise Aakraman, demonstrating advanced combat readiness |
🌍 Global Dynamics and Future Outlook
The ongoing conflict and military developments between India and Pakistan have attracted global attention. Major powers, including the U.S., China, Russia, and Turkey, have urged both nations to exercise restraint and avoid further escalation .
Looking ahead, both air forces are focused on modernization and self-reliance. The IAF aims to achieve a 42-squadron strength by 2035, with plans to procure additional Tejas aircraft and potentially 114 multirole fighters from global suppliers . Meanwhile, the PAF continues to enhance its capabilities through indigenous development and strategic partnerships.
✈️ Conclusion
The aerial capabilities of both Pakistan and India are formidable, each with its unique strengths and strategic priorities. As tensions persist, the skies over South Asia remain a critical theater for military engagement, with both nations continually adapting to the evolving dynamics of modern warfare.
