List of Indian Military Aircraft: A Detailed Overview

Indian Military Aircraft: The journey of Indian military aircraft, both in terms of quality and quantity, has been substantial. This article presents a detailed exploration of the various planes and helicopters safeguarding our nation’s security.

List of Indian Military Aircraft

The Indian military boasts an impressive fleet of aircraft, spanning combat fighters, surveillance drones, helicopters, trainers, and Indian Military Aircraft. This diverse inventory plays a crucial role in securing the nation’s interests, facilitating surveillance, transportation, combat missions, and more. With nearly 2,000 aircraft serving across the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard, India showcases significant technological prowess and strategic capabilities.

Indian Air Force Aircraft

The Indian Air Force maintains a diverse arsenal of aircraft tailored for combat, reconnaissance, transport, and training purposes. Presented below is a structured overview of the remarkable Indian Air Force Aircraft, detailing their origins, types, variants, and current service numbers. From legendary fighter jets like the MiG-21 to cutting-edge multi-role platforms such as the HAL Tejas, this summary offers valuable insights into the aviation assets of the Indian Air Force.

Indian Air Force Aircrafts – Combat Aircrafts

The Indian Air Force (IAF) operates an impressive array of combat aircraft, serving as the cornerstone of its aerial defence capabilities. This table offers crucial insights into the Indian Air Force aircraft’s combat aircraft, detailing their origins, types, variants, and the current number of units in active service.

Aircraft	Origin	Type	Variant	In Service
MiG-21	Soviet Union	Fighter		128
MiG-29	Russia	Multirole	MiG-29UPG	65
HAL Tejas	India	Multirole	Mk.1 / 1A	32
Mirage 2000	France	Multirole	2000 H/I	45
Sukhoi Su-30MKI	Russia	Multirole		248
Dassault Rafale	France	Multirole	EH/DH	36
SEPECAT Jaguar	United Kingdom	Ground Attack	IM/IS	130

Indian Air Force Aircrafts – AWACS and Reconnaissance Aircrafts

The Indian Air Force (IAF) operates a sophisticated fleet of Airborne Early Warning and Control System (AWACS) and reconnaissance aircraft, which are indispensable for surveillance, intelligence gathering, and maintaining airspace superiority. This table presents vital information on the IAF’s AWACS and reconnaissance assets, including their origins, types, variants, and the current number of units in active service.

Indian Air Force Aircrafts – AWACS

Aircraft	Origin	Type	Variant	In Service
Embraer R-99	Brazil	AEW&C		2
Beriev A-50	Soviet Union	AEW&C	A-50EI	3

Indian Air Force Aircrafts – Reconnaissance Aircrafts

Aircraft	Origin	Type	Variant	In Service
Boeing 707	United States	Surveillance		1
Global 5000	United States	ELINT		2
Gulfstream G100	Israel	Surveillance	1125 Astra	2
Gulfstream III	United States	ELINT	SRA	3

Indian Air Force Aircrafts – Tanker Aircraft

The Indian Air Force (IAF) relies on specialized tanker aircraft to provide essential aerial refuelling support, extending the operational range and endurance of its combat and transport aircraft. This table provides an overview of the IAF’s tanker capabilities, offering details on their origin, type, variant, and the current number of tankers in operation. Notably, the Ilyushin Il-78MKI stands out, equipped with an Israeli fuel-transfer system, ensuring efficient refuelling operations for various aircraft within the IAF’s fleet.

Aircraft	Origin	Type	Variant	In Service
Ilyushin Il-78	Soviet Union	Aerial Refueling	Il-78MKI	6

Indian Air Force Aircrafts – Transport Aircrafts

The Indian Air Force (IAF) operates a diverse range of transport aircraft tailored to fulfil crucial roles such as troop transport, cargo logistics, and VIP transportation. These aircraft are indispensable in ensuring the IAF’s mobility and rapid deployment of personnel and supplies across the nation and beyond.

Aircraft	Origin	Type	Variant	In Service
Boeing 737	United States	VIP Transport	737-700	3
Boeing 777	United States	VIP Transport	777-300ER	2
Boeing C-17	United States	Strategic Airlifter		11
Ilyushin Il-76	Soviet Union	Strategic Airlifter	Il-76MD	17
Antonov An-32	Ukraine	Transport		103
Embraer Legacy 600	Brazil	VIP Transport		4
Dornier Do 228	Germany	Transport	228-201	54
EADS CASA C-295	Spain	Transport	C-295MW
C-130J Super Hercules	United States	Tactical Airlifter	C-130J-30	12
Hawker Siddeley HS 748	United Kingdom	Transport		57

Indian Air Force Aircrafts – Helicopters

Helicopters play a crucial role in enhancing the operational capabilities of the Indian Air Force (IAF), providing versatility and agility for a variety of missions including troop transport, attack, reconnaissance, and search and rescue. The IAF maintains an extensive fleet comprising indigenous and foreign-origin helicopters to meet its diverse operational requirements. Presented below is a comprehensive overview of the IAF’s helicopter fleet, detailing their origins, types, variants, and the number of helicopters currently in service.

Aircraft	Origin	Type	Variant	In Service
Mil Mi-17	Russia	Utility	Mi-17V-5	250
Mil Mi-24	Russia	Attack	Mi-24/25/35	15
HAL Dhruv	India	Utility		107
HAL Rudra	India	Attack		16
Alouette III	France	Liaison	Chetak	77
SA 315B Lama	India	Utility	Cheetah	17
Boeing AH-64	United States	Attack	AH-64E	22
CH-47 Chinook	United States	Transport	CH-47F	15

Indian Air Force Aircrafts – Trainer Aircraft

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is celebrated for its aerial prowess and operational excellence. Relying on a fleet of advanced trainer aircraft is essential to uphold its high standards. In this table given below, we delve into the domain of Indian Air Force Trainer Aircraft. These aircraft, comprising the BAE Hawk, HAL Kiran, HAL HTT-40, HAL Tejas (conversion trainer), and Pilatus PC-7, play a pivotal role in honing the skills and expertise of the upcoming generation of IAF pilots.

Aircraft	Origin	Type	Variant	In Service
BAE Hawk	United Kingdom	Jet Trainer	Hawk 132	102
HAL Kiran	India	Jet Trainer		78
HAL HTT-40	India	Basic Trainer		70 on order
HAL Tejas	India	Conversion Trainer	Mk. 1	8
Pilatus PC-7	Switzerland	Trainer	Mk II	75
Pipistrel Virus	Slovenia	Basic Trainer		72

Indian Air Force Aircrafts – UAV

In the dynamic realm of military technology, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have become essential assets for modern armed forces. The Indian Air Force (IAF) is no exception, leveraging UAVs to bolster surveillance, reconnaissance, and operational capabilities. Here, we delve into the domain of IAF UAVs, examining the diverse types and variants at their disposal.

Aircraft	Origin	Type	Variant	In Service
IAI Heron	Israel	Surveillance	Heron 1	49
IAI Searcher	Israel	Surveillance	Mk. I / II
MQ-9 Reaper	United States	Surveillance	SeaGuardian	2

Army Aviation Corps Aircraft

The Indian Army’s Aviation Corps plays a crucial role in providing support to ground forces through a fleet of utility and attack helicopters. This table presents an overview of the aircraft utilized by the Army Aviation Corps, detailing their origins, types, variants, and current operational status. From the versatile HAL Dhruv to the formidable Boeing AH-64 Apache, these aircraft significantly enhance the Indian Army’s operational capabilities.

Army Aviation Corps Aircraft – Helicopter

Aircraft	Origin	Type	Variant	In Service	Notes
HAL Dhruv	India	Utility		145	73 on order
HAL Rudra	India	Attack		75
Alouette III	France	Liaison/Utility	Chetak	4	License-built by HAL
SA 315B Lama	France	Liaison/Utility	Cheetah	37	License-built by HAL – 8 on order
HAL Prachand	India	Attack		3	2 on order
Boeing AH-64	United States	Attack	AH-64E(I)		6 on order

Army Aviation Corps Aircraft – UAV

Aircraft	Origin	Type	Variant	Notes	Aircraft
IAI Heron TP	Israel	Surveillance	Heron TP	16 Heron on order	IAI Heron TP
IAI Searcher	Israel	Surveillance	Mk. I / II		IAI Searcher
Switch	India	Surveillance		Undisclosed quantities on order	Switch

Naval Air Arm

The Indian Naval Air Arm stands as the seaborne aviation branch of the Indian Navy, tasked with safeguarding maritime security and projecting naval power across the expansive Indian Ocean region. In this table, we delve into the formidable aircraft that form the backbone of the Indian Naval Air Arm. From advanced combat aircraft like the HAL Tejas and MiG-29K to maritime patrol aircraft such as the Boeing P-8I and Ilyushin Il-38, these aircraft lead naval aviation, ensuring the protection of India’s maritime interests.

Naval Air Arm – Combat Aircraft

Aircraft	Origin	Type	Variant	In Service	Notes
HAL Tejas	India	Multirole	Mk.1	8 on order
MiG-29	Russia	Multirole	MiG-29K	45	9 KUB variants provide conversion training

Naval Air Arm – Maritime Patrol

Aircraft	Origin	Type	Variant	In Service	Notes
Boeing P-8	United States	ASW / Patrol	P-8I	12
Ilyushin Il-38	Soviet Union	ASW / Patrol		4
Dornier Do 228	Germany	Surveillance	228-201	24	11 on order[1]
Britten-Norman BN-2	United Kingdom	Utility / Patrol	BN-2B/2T	4

Naval Air Arm – AWACS

Aircraft	Origin	Type	Variant	In Service	Notes
Kamov Ka-31	Russia	AEW		14	Employs a Planar array radar

Naval Air Arm – Helicopters

Aircraft	Origin	Type	Variant	In Service	Notes
HAL Dhruv	India	Utility		17	8 on order[1]
Kamov Ka-27	Russia	ASW	Ka-28	14
Westland Sea King	United Kingdom	SAR / Utility	Mk.42B/C	25	Six are UH-3H variants
HAL Chetak	France	Liaison / Utility		36	6 on order[1]
SH-60 Seahawk	United States	ASW / SAR	MH-60R	2	22 on order[1]

Naval Air Arm – Trainer Aircraft

Aircraft	Origin	Type	Variant	In Service	Notes
BAE Hawk	United Kingdom	Jet Trainer	Hawk 132	17
HAL Kiran	India	Jet Trainer		20
UAV
IAI Heron	Israel	Surveillance	Heron 1
IAI Searcher	Israel	Surveillance	Mk. I / II
MQ-9 Reaper	United States	Surveillance	Sea Guardian	2

Indian Coast Guard Aircraft

From maritime patrol aircraft such as the Dornier Do 228, ensuring continuous surveillance, to adaptable helicopters like the HAL Dhruv and HAL Chetak, assisting in crucial sea operations, these aerial assets constitute a vital aspect of the Indian Coast Guard’s mandate to safeguard and serve. Join us as we soar through the skies with these guardians of India’s coastal waters, witnessing their steadfast dedication to maritime safety and security.

Indian Coast Guard Aircraft – Maritime Patrol

Aircraft	Origin	Type	Variant	In Service	Notes
Dornier Do 228	Germany	Reconnaissance	101/201	23	2 on order

Indian Coast Guard Aircraft – Helicopters

Aircraft	Origin	Type	Variant	In Service	Notes
HAL Dhruv	India	Utility	Mk. I / Mk. III	4 / 16
HAL Chetak	India	Utility		17

Frequently Asked Questions about Indian Military Aircraft

Q.1. What is the total number of Indian military aircraft in service?

Ans. India’s armed forces collectively operate close to 2000 military aircraft, spanning the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard.

Q.2. What is the primary source country for India’s combat aircraft?

Ans. India primarily sources its combat aircraft from a variety of countries, including Russia, France, and the United Kingdom.

Q4. How many Boeing C-17 aircraft does the Indian Air Force have for strategic airlifting?

Ans. The Indian Air Force operates a fleet of 11 Boeing C-17 Globemaster III aircraft for strategic airlifting purposes.

Q5. What is the main role of the HAL Dhruv helicopter in the Indian Air Force?

Ans. The HAL Dhruv helicopter primarily serves as a utility aircraft in the Indian Air Force, performing tasks such as troop transport and search and rescue operations.

Q6. What trainer aircraft does the Indian Air Force employ for pilot training?

Ans. The HAL Dhruv helicopter primarily serves as a utility aircraft in the Indian Air Force, performing tasks such as troop transport and search and rescue operations.

Q7. What is the process for acquiring new aircraft for the Indian Air Force?

Ans. The Indian Air Force acquires new aircraft through a combination of domestic production, international procurement, and technology transfer agreements, with a focus on enhancing its operational capabilities and maintaining a balanced fleet.

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Summary

In summary, our exploration of Indian military aircraft showcases a diverse range of aviation assets crucial for safeguarding the nation’s security interests. From combat fighters to surveillance drones, transport aircraft, and helicopters, each plays a vital role in bolstering the operational capabilities of the Indian armed forces. Whether it’s the Indian Air Force’s advanced fighter jets or the Indian Coast Guard’s maritime patrol aircraft, these aerial assets exemplify India’s technological prowess and commitment to ensuring safety and security across land, sea, and air.

#Indian Military Aircraft #Indian Coast Guard Aircraft #Naval Air Arm