Every Indian Military Aircraft in Service (2026)
Overview
🇮🇳 India operates 2,217 aircraft across 36 distinct types as of 2026. This page assembles every type currently in active service — fighters, bombers, helicopters, transports, trainers, and unmanned systems — with profile drawings, operating branch, and fleet counts. For the full historical list including retired types, see every Indian military aircraft ever operated.
Fleet size by branch
| Service | Active | Types |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Air Force | 1,612 | 32 |
| Indian Army Aviation | 338 | 5 |
| Indian Navy | 267 | 12 |
Fighters & Combat Aircraft
6 types · 588 active airframes · 220 on order.
Military Helicopters
11 types · 993 active airframes · 235 on order.
Transport & Tanker Aircraft
14 types · 340 active airframes · 62 on order.
Special Mission Aircraft
1 type · 6 active airframes.
Trainers
4 types · 290 active airframes · 70 on order.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many aircraft does the India military operate in 2026?
India operates 2,217 aircraft across 36 distinct types as of 2026, split between 3 service branches.
Which India service branch has the most aircraft?
The Indian Air Force operates the largest fleet with 1,612 active airframes across 32 types.
What is the most numerous India military aircraft?
The HAL Dhruv is the single most numerous airframe in India's inventory, with 287 active units.
Does this page include retired or stored aircraft?
No. Counts reflect airframes on active inventory in the most recent fleet snapshot. Retired, stored and test-only aircraft are excluded.