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