New Delhi (Defence Desk): Over the past two years we have often heard headlines of air strikes, be it by Russia on Ukraine or by Israel over Palestine. Recently Pakistan too bombed Afghanistan and such conflicts are only rising with every passing day.
Given the scenario, all the global powers have their one eye set on their air force as to when they might require scrambling their fighter jets in the skies. This could very well mean that future wars will not only be fought on land but in the skies.
But when the moment calls, which are the forces that will rule the skies and claim supremacy over the world?
When we talk of global elites and their air force, the US dominates the list with Russia that follows and China comes at third position. Followed by the Indian Air Force, the UK’s Royal Air Force is counted fifth on the list of the world’s most powerful air forces at present.
Let us understand one by one what makes these forces the best in the world.
United States Air Force (USAF)
Established in 1947, the USAF is widely considered the most powerful air force in the world, with a large size and global reach.
With a budget of UDS 179.7 billion in 2020, the USAF has a large personnel force, including active duty airmen, civilian personnel, reserve airmen and Air National Guard airmen.
Talking of aircrafts, the USAF has a large fleet of aircraft, including fighters, bombers, transport planes, and drones. As of April 2024, the USAF’s fleet included 5,189 aircraft, with 29.7% of the fleet being trainer aircraft and 29.1% being fighter jets.
In terms of technology too, the USAF has invested significantly and is considered to be one of the most technologically advance forces around the world.
Russian Air Force (RAF)
Officially established in 1912, RAF is the second largest in the world, with over 4,255 aircraft.
It has 809 fighter jets, 730 attack planes, 559 attack helicopters, and 1547 helicopters that make this force capable and lethal by global standards. It has the world’s second-largest strategic-bomber force, which can deliver nuclear weapons thousands of miles away.
Despite such an artillery, Russia is focusing on advancing its air capabilities with high-tech models like the Su-57. It is also because, majority of its aerial fleet dates back to the Cold War and needs to be upgraded.
In a display of valour and strategic application of its air force in the recent war with Ukraine, Russia has used long-range missiles to penetrate deep into the rival country, it also has used Iranian drones as cheap cruise missiles and glide bombs to destroy enemy targets.
People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF)
Chinese Air Force, also referred to as the People’s Liberation Army Air Force, was founded in the year 1949.
The PLAAF has over 3,150 crewed aircraft, and this staggering figure does not include drones or trainers. The force is believed to have more than 2,400 of those aircraft are combat aircraft, with around 1,300 being fourth-generation. Other than these the PLAAF’s fleet also includes a large number of helicopters.
Regardless of such a varied range of combat aircrafts, helicopters and weaponry, the PLAAF is rapidly approaching U.S. standards in technology.
The PLAAF’s forces are shifting from territorial air defense to offensive and defensive operations. However, some say that the bulk of the PLAAF’s fleet is obsolete. All but a small number of its fighters, ground-attack aircraft, and bombers are based on technology from the 1950s and 1960s.
But despite that, PLAAF has maintained a reputation of being counted as the third largest air combat force in the world and the largest in Asia.
Indian Air Force (IAF)
Known for its versatility and adaptability, IAF is the fourth largest air force in the world having 1.3 lakh active personnel and 1.4 lakh reserve personnel . With over 2,296 aircraft, the IAF is known for its technical and specialized fighting force, and has been involved in several wars with neighboring countries.
The variety of aircraft with IAF include fighter jets, helicopters, and transport aircraft. Some of the aircraft in the IAF’s fleet include the Sukhoi Su-30 MKI, Rafale, Tejas, Mirage 2000, Dhruv, Chetak, Cheetah, and many more.
The IAF also has been continuously modernizing its aircraft and equipment since its establishment in 1932. In 2016, the IAF inducted the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft, which was designed for multi-role missions.
All aside, the valour and courage of IAF are very well reflected with the force being involved in four wars with its neighboring Pakistan, since 1950. The IAF also participated in Operation Vijay, Operation Meghdoot, Operation Cactus, and Operation Poomalai which are a reflection of its ability to perform in combat missions.
Royal Air Force (RAF)
RAF is one of the world’s oldest air forces, known for its combat experience and cutting-edge technology.
Founded in 1918 as the first independent air force in the world, combining the Royal Naval Air Service and the Royal Flying Corps, the Royal Air Force (RAF) is currently made up of 31,025 active personnel, 3,028 reserve personnel.
The RAF is involved in a wide range of training exercises and operations with its allies and partners around the world and in space.
The force has over 500 aircrafts, nearly half of which are trainers, and about 150 combat (fixed wing) airplanes (Eurofighter and F-35 + a few Reaper drones) and around 100 combat helicopters. The Eurofighter Typhoon FGR4 is the RAF’s primary multi-role air defence and ground attack fighter aircraft, following the retirement of the Panavia Tornado F3 in late March 2011.
The RAF is also undergoing a modernization program that will make it stronger and better armed than it has been in a long time.
Other than the above five air forces that rule the skies, there are some other strong air forces that include, French Air and Space Force, Israeli Air Force (IAF), and Japanese Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF).
It is beyond argument that the strength of a country’s air force is a key part of its military strategy and national security. Even as there may be other factors that contribute to a country’s military strength like ground attacks, maritime logistical capabilities and global partnerships, but it is the capability to fire from the air that the history has witnessed are crucial to win wars.
It is for this reason that the countries around the world are investing heavily to step up their air defence as they have all very well foreseen that the future of wars lies in the hand of those who rule the skies.
