New Delhi, Dec. 28 -- There is considerable excitement over the 2025 World Directory of Modern Military Aircraft (WDMMA) report, placing the Indian Air Force (IAF) ahead of China, as the world's third most powerful air force, after the US and Russia, although this is reportedly based on modernization, readiness, and capabilities, not just numbers. The Global Air Powers Ranking (2025), which is based on total military airpower, ranks India 6th, after the US Air Force, US Navy, Russian Army, US Army and US Marines (https://www.wdmma.org/ranking.php).

Shifting geopolitical dynamics in South Asia are increasing threat levels against India. These include the volatile situation in Bangladesh, the China-Pakistan-Bangladesh-Turkey nexus, Turkey ...