The sky advantage: Why India’s air force now ranks ahead of China’s in global power index

The Indian Air Force (IAF) Hawk MK132 takes off during Aero India 2025, a military aviation exhibition at the Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru on February 13, 2025. (Photo by Idrees MOHAMMED / AFP)

India’s growing air power is drawing global attention as it climbs higher in international air force rankings, reflecting a decisive edge in both regional and strategic terms. The latest data not only highlights India’s impressive operational capability but also points to the changing balance of power in South Asia.

A display of air superiority

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has recently demonstrated its dominance in a series of operations that left Pakistan’s air capabilities exposed. According to Indian Army’s Director General of Military Operations, Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai, Pakistan “lost over 100 military personnel, as well as a minimum of 12 aircraft during the four-day conflict.”

These losses, Indian defence officials say, underline the effectiveness of India’s integrated command structure, rapid response capabilities, and precision-strike efficiency.

Why India is ahead of China in the skies

While China continues to pour billions into upgrading its air fleet and developing advanced technology, India’s advantage stems from factors beyond hardware. A Newsweek report attributes India’s higher global ranking to “training, close-air support, and specialised bomber units,” describing these as the decisive factors that influence combat performance.

This distinction is significant. Beijing’s emphasis on scale and innovation has built one of the world’s largest air forces, but New Delhi’s focus on pilot skill, mission readiness, and interoperability has translated into greater operational impact.

Why these rankings matter

Air power remains one of the most decisive elements in modern warfare. From Europe to the Middle East and South Asia, control of the skies often determines the outcome of battles.

The ongoing Russia-Ukraine war serves as a stark reminder. Despite its numerical advantage, Russia “has not achieved air superiority over Ukraine in more than three years of fighting.” In contrast, Israel’s Operation Rising Lion in June demonstrated how effective coordination and technology can tilt the balance. Israel “achieved air superiority over Iran in less than four days,” an outcome made even more remarkable given that Tehran lies nearly 1,000 miles from Israel’s nearest airbase.

The bigger picture: A shifting balance of power

Unlike the more familiar Global Firepower index, which measures overall military strength, the new air power rankings focus solely on aerial capability. The findings signal an evolving power dynamic, especially in South Asia where India’s rise as an air power is increasingly shaping defence and strategic planning.

As India strengthens its air defences, invests in next-generation platforms, and deepens cooperation with allies like France and the United States, the global military community is taking note. India’s trajectory in air dominance is not just about regional deterrence; it represents a growing influence in shaping future security frameworks worldwide.