The skies over South Asia have long echoed with the tension between India and Pakistan. As two nuclear-armed neighbors with a turbulent history, their air forces play a crucial role in maintaining both deterrence and defense. While diplomatic relations fluctuate, the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Pakistan Air Force (PAF) continue to modernize, adapt, and occasionally spar in tense encounters—most notably during the Balakot air strikes of 2019.
In this blog, we dive into the current fighter jet capabilities of both nations and explore how they compare in terms of technology, strategy, and future acquisitions.
India’s Fighter Jet Arsenal
India boasts one of the largest air forces in the world, and its fighter fleet reflects a mix of Russian, French, and indigenous aircraft.
Key Fighters in Service:
- Sukhoi Su-30MKI
- Role: Air superiority multirole fighter
- Quantity: ~270
- Notable For: Supermaneuverability, heavy payload, advanced radar
- Built by HAL under license from Russia
- Dassault Rafale
- Role: Multirole 4.5+ generation fighter
- Quantity: 36 (all delivered)
- Notable For: Advanced avionics, precision strike capabilities, combat-proven performance
- France-origin, critical for deep-strike roles
- HAL Tejas (LCA)
- Role: Lightweight multirole fighter
- Quantity: ~40 in IAF service, with many more ordered
- Notable For: Indigenous design, agility, cost-effectiveness
- A symbol of India’s drive for defense self-reliance
- Mirage 2000 and MiG-29
- Older platforms, still highly relevant with upgrades
- Mirage 2000s were used in the 2019 Balakot strike
Future Plans:
- HAL Tejas Mk2 – a more powerful and capable version of the LCA
- AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft) – India’s stealth fighter project
- MRFA Program – Global tender for 114 multirole fighters, including possible F-15EX, Rafale, Eurofighter Typhoon, etc.
Pakistan’s Fighter Jet Lineup
Pakistan’s air force is smaller but highly streamlined, with a focus on interoperability, quick deployment, and leveraging Chinese and American technology.
Key Fighters in Service:
- JF-17 Thunder
- Role: Multirole lightweight fighter
- Quantity: Over 140
- Notable For: Cost-effective, locally assembled with China (Chengdu Aerospace Corporation)
- JF-17 Block III includes AESA radar and improved avionics
- F-16 Fighting Falcon
- Role: Multirole fighter
- Quantity: ~75 (various blocks)
- Notable For: Precision strike, proven combat record, US-origin
- Backbone of PAF’s high-performance combat fleet
- Mirage III and Mirage V
- Aging French aircraft, modernized with upgraded radar and electronics
- Often used for strike roles
Future Plans:
- Continued upgrades to JF-17 (Block IV in planning)
- Interest in acquiring Chinese 5th-generation fighters like the J-31
- Heavy focus on electronic warfare and indigenous upgrades
India vs Pakistan: Air Combat Comparison
| Capability | India (IAF) | Pakistan (PAF) |
|---|---|---|
| Fleet Size | ~1,700 aircraft (600+ fighters) | ~900 aircraft (400+ fighters) |
| Modern Fighters | Rafale, Su-30MKI, Tejas | JF-17 Block III, F-16 |
| Strike Capability | High (Rafale, Mirage, BrahMos) | Moderate (JF-17, Mirage V) |
| Radar/Avionics | Superior in newer platforms | Improving via JF-17 Block III |
| 5th Gen Projects | AMCA (under development) | Potential purchase (J-31) |
| Combat Experience | Kargil, Balakot 2019 | Kargil, Balakot 2019 |
Share this content:
