Air Forces comparison: China vs India
China operates 3,440 active military aircraft vs 2,217 for India. The breakdown includes 1,986 vs 588 combat aircraft, 1,019 vs 993 helicopters, 413 vs 340 transport aircraft, 16 vs 290 trainers (China vs India). China has 130 aircraft on order vs 587 for India. The China air force is officially the People's Liberation Army Air Force.
People's Liberation Army Air Force 🇨🇳
| Official Name | People's Liberation Army Air Force |
| Local Name | 空军 (Kōngjūn) |
| Active aircraft | 3440 as of 2026 |
| Aircraft on order | 130 |
| Roundel |
|
Indian Air Force 🇮🇳
| Official Name | Indian Air Force |
| Local Name | भारतीय वायु सेना (Bhāratīya vāyu senā) |
| Active aircraft | 2217 as of 2026 |
| Aircraft on order | 587 |
| Roundel |
|
Chinese aircraft by type
| Aircraft type | Active | |
|---|---|---|
Combat
|
1986 | |
Bomber
|
0 | |
Helicopter
|
1019 | |
Training
|
16 | |
Transport
|
413 | |
Other
|
6 | |
Indian aircraft by type
| Aircraft type | Active | |
|---|---|---|
|
Combat
|
588 | |
|
Bomber
|
0 | |
|
Helicopter
|
993 | |
|
Training
|
290 | |
|
Transport
|
340 | |
|
Other
|
6 | |
Evolution of Chinese Air Force fleet
Evolution of Indian Air Force fleet
Aircraft Types Radar Comparison
Frequently Asked Questions
Which country has more military aircraft, China or India?
China has more military aircraft with 3,440 active aircraft compared to India's 2,217, a difference of 1,223 aircraft.
Which air force has more combat aircraft, China or India?
China has more combat aircraft with 1,986 fighters and attack aircraft compared to India's 588.
Which country has more military helicopters, China or India?
China operates more military helicopters with 1,019 compared to India's 993.
Which air force has more transport aircraft, China or India?
China has more transport aircraft with 413 compared to India's 340.
Which country has more aircraft on order, China or India?
India has 587 aircraft on order compared to China's 130.