List of Indian Military Aircraft

The Indian armed forces have a diversified and up-to-date fleet of aircraft in their Air Force and Navy that are central to national defense and current war situations like the present India-Pakistan standoff. The following is an in-depth description of the Indian armed forces' aircraft, their category, origin, and function, followed by analysis on how they are being utilized in the current India-Pakistan war.

India operates one of the world’s largest and most diverse military aviation fleets, spanning the Indian Air Force (IAF), Indian Army Aviation Corps, and Indian Naval Air Arm. The inventory includes advanced fighters, multirole helicopters, transport aircraft, trainers, surveillance platforms, and specialized indigenous systems. 

Indian Air Force (IAF) Combat Aircraft

The combat aircraft fleet of the IAF consists of a combination of locally manufactured and foreign-designed fighter planes, multirole machines, and special purpose platforms. These aircraft constitute the backbone of Indian air combat and strike power.

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Indian Air Force Helicopters

Helicopters provide versatility in troop transport, attack, reconnaissance, and search and rescue missions.

Indian Navy Aircraft

The Indian Navy operates fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and UAVs for maritime patrol, anti-submarine warfare (ASW), and fleet defense.

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Indian Military Aircraft in the Current India-Pakistan War 

In May 2025, India and Pakistan engaged in intense aerial combat following attacks in Jammu & Kashmir. India launched "Operation Sindoor," targeting Pakistani military infrastructure, including airbases and drone command centers, aiming to degrade Pakistan's aerial strike capabilities.

Aircraft Used by India

• Sukhoi Su-30MKI: Sukhoi Su-30MKI was primarily involved in precision strikes against Pakistani airbases, utilizing its multirole capabilities for both air-to-air and ground attack.
• Dassault Rafale: The focal point of the Indian offense, Rafales were employed to drop precision air-launched munitions against Pakistani military targets. India has 36 Rafales, which are its most advanced fighter aircraft.
• Mirage 2000 and MiG-29: Also participated in combat missions, with air defense and strike capabilities.

Helicopters such as the HAL Dhruv and Boeing AH-64 Apache most likely provided cover for ground attacks and reconnaissance.

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Aircraft Used by Pakistan

• Chengdu J-10CE: Pakistani jets, produced in China, allegedly downed at least two Indian planes, including a Rafale, a major engagement of the war.
• JF-17 Thunder: Another important fighter in Pakistan's arsenal, distinguished by its multirole capacity.

Pakistan also uses F-16s, though they were said not to be used in recent dogfights.

Summary of Air Engagements

• India made precision attacks on 11 Pakistani airbases, such as Nur Khan (Chaklala), Sargodha, and Skardu, hitting command centers, radar installations, and weapon storage facilities in order to take out Pakistan's aerial retaliation capability.
• Pakistan reported shooting down five Indian aircraft, including Rafales, though India has not yet officially confirmed any losses.
• The air fight comprised around 125 aircraft and lasted more than an hour, which was one of the largest recent air combats in the region.

India's military aviation fleet, headed by the Sukhoi Su-30MKI and the Dassault Rafale, has played a important role in conducting precision attacks and ensuring air dominance in the current conflict against Pakistan. Aviation assets of the Indian Navy also support maritime security and power projection. Pakistan's use of Chinese J-10 fighters and other combat aircraft has pushed back Indian air operations, resulting in fierce aerial combat. The war highlights the strategic value of advanced multirole strike fighters and precision strike weapons in modern warfare between these two nuclear rivals.