IAF flies high : Build on top-tier ranking to plug capability gaps
The Tribune Editorial : The emphasis laid by the World Directory of Modern Military Aircraft (WDMMA) on local aerospace production validates the strategic importance of the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative
Updated At : 07:32 AM Jul 11, 2026 IST
THE Indian Air Force (IAF), which made its presence strongly felt during Operation Sindoor last year, continues to figure among the top air powers in the world. The World Directory of Modern Military Aircraft (WDMMA) has ranked the IAF sixth in the Global Air Powers Ranking 2026. The US Air Force is on top, followed by the US Navy, Russian Air Force, US Army and US Marine Corps. Thus, only the US and Russia are ahead of India. For the fifth year in a row, the IAF has outranked the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Air Force, which is at the seventh position (the Pakistan Air Force is 18th).
