Representative image NEW DELHI: For the fifth consecutive time, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has retained third position in the world as the third-most powerful air arm in the World Directory of Modern Military Aircraft (WDMMA) 2026 Global Air Power Rankings, remaining ahead of China’s People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF). Only the air forces of the US and Russia rank above the IAF, according to the rankings. The IAF currently operates a fleet of 1,716 aircraft, including 542 combat and attack aircraft, across seven different types. Though the fleet size (3,733 aircraft) of the Chinese air force is larger…
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