India Pakistan Fighter Jets: A Full Comparison of Air Power

The rivalry between India Pakistan Fighter Jets has often extended beyond borders and diplomacy. One key part of this rivalry is their fighter jet strength. In July 2025, discussions around new aircraft like JF-17 Block III in Pakistan and HAL Tejas Mark 1A in India once again brought this military debate into the spotlight.

This blog takes a deep dive into the air power of both nations. You will learn about their fighter jets, upgrades, local productions, and air combat capability.

Why India Pakistan Fighter Jets Matter

Fighter jets are a big part of military strength. They help in defending airspace, attacking enemy positions, and showing power during conflict. For both India and Pakistan, maintaining a strong air force is necessary due to their history of wars and tensions.

They share a long and tense border. There have been wars in 1947, 1965, 1971, and 1999. Skirmishes and air encounters, especially in 2019, prove that air superiority can change the course of events.

Indian Air Force: Fighter Jets in Use

India has the fourth-largest air force in the world. It operates more than 1,700 aircraft, with over 600 being fighter jets. India uses aircraft from France, Russia, and local producers like HAL.

Here are the major fighter jets used by the Indian Air Force (IAF):

🇮🇳 1. Rafale

• Origin: France

• Entered service: 2020

• Generation: 4.5

• Role: Multi-role, air dominance, deep strike

• Special Features: AESA radar, Meteor missiles, stealth design

The Rafale is India’s most modern fighter. It played a vital role in increasing India’s air strike range and electronic warfare capacity.

🇮🇳 2. Sukhoi Su-30MKI

• Origin: Russia (customized for India)

• Entered service: 2002

• Role: Air superiority and ground attack

• Features: Twin-engine, long range, super maneuverable

India has over 270 Su-30MKIs, making it the backbone of its air fleet. HAL is also manufacturing them under license.

🇮🇳 3. HAL Tejas (LCA)

• Origin: India

• Type: Lightweight Combat Aircraft

• Entered service: 2016

• Upgrades: Tejas Mk1A with AESA radar, EW suite

Tejas is a Made in India fighter. It’s cheap, fast, and good for close support. India plans to add over 80 upgraded versions by 2028.

🇮🇳 4. Mirage 2000

• Origin: France

• Entered service: 1985

• Role: Multi-role

These were upgraded for longer life. Mirage 2000 was used in the 2019 Balakot airstrike on Pakistan.

🇮🇳 5. MiG-29 and MiG-21

• MiG-29 is still used and upgraded.

• MiG-21 is old and being phased out.

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Pakistan Air Force: Fighter Jets in Use

Pakistan also has a powerful air force with around 400 aircraft. They use jets from China, the U.S., and some older French models.

🇵🇰 1. JF-17 Thunder

• Jointly made by: Pakistan and China

• Main fighter of Pakistan

• Variants: Block I, II, and Block III (latest)

• Block III features: AESA radar, better missiles, BVR capability

Pakistan is pushing to make this jet the core of its air force. Over 140 are in service now. Block III gives serious competition to Tejas and even older F-16s.

🇵🇰 2. F-16 Fighting Falcon

• Origin: United States

• Role: Air-to-air and ground attack

• Entered service: 1983

• Upgrades: AESA radar, targeting pods

The F-16 is a trusted workhorse. It was involved in the 2019 air clash with India after the Balakot incident.

🇵🇰 3. J-10C Vigorous Dragon

• Origin: China

• Entered service: 2022 in Pakistan

• Role: Multi-role, modern 4.5 gen jet

• Features: AESA radar, PL-15 long-range missile

J-10C is seen as a counter to India’s Rafale. Pakistan now has over 24 of these fighters.

🇵🇰 4. Mirage III and Mirage V

• Origin: France

• Entered service: 1960s-70s

• Still used for: Strike missions, upgraded avionics

They are old but still part of the force. Pakistan keeps upgrading them due to budget constraints.

Side-by-Side Comparison: India Pakistan Fighter Jets

Radar is important in modern warfare. It helps detect enemy planes from far away. India uses AESA radars on Rafale and Tejas Mk1A. Pakistan uses similar radars on JF-17 Block III and J-10C.

Missiles are also vital. India has Meteor and Astra. Pakistan has PL-15 and AMRAAM. Meteor is considered more powerful.

Local Manufacturing: India Pakistan Fighter Jets

• India: HAL makes Tejas. Also produces Su-30MKI under license. India wants to build AMCA (5th gen jet).

• Pakistan: Builds JF-17 in partnership with China. No full local jet yet. Depends heavily on China.

Air Battles and Real War Experience

The most known event was the 2019 air battle. After India hit terrorist camps in Balakot, Pakistan responded. Indian pilot Abhinandan Varthaman was captured and later released. Both countries claimed to have downed each other’s aircraft.

While media and governments argue on results, the event showed how serious and sudden air conflicts can be.

Future India Pakistan Fighter Jets  Upcoming

India’s Future:

• Tejas Mk2

• AMCA (Fifth-gen stealth)

• More Rafales

• Upgraded Su-30MKI

Pakistan’s Future:

• More JF-17 Block III

• More J-10C

• Chinese stealth fighter interest (like J-31)

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International Support and Challenges

• India buys from France, Russia, and develops its own.

• Pakistan relies on China and the U.S. (though U.S. sales are limited now).

India’s global ties help with technology and defense deals. Pakistan has strong military support from China.

Conclusion: Who Has the Stronger Air Power?

It is not easy to say who is stronger. India has more jets and more advanced systems overall. But Pakistan has faster replacement jets and cheaper production. Both countries are improving fast.

The key will be training, technology, radar, and missiles. A single jet doesn’t win wars — smart use of air power does.

5 FAQs about India Pakistan Fighter Jets

1. Which is better, Rafale or J-10C?

Rafale is technically better with stronger radar, stealth, and weapons. But J-10C is also a modern and powerful jet.

2. What is JF-17 Block III?

It is the latest version of Pakistan’s JF-17. It includes AESA radar, improved avionics, and better missiles.

3. Is HAL Tejas better than JF-17?

Tejas Mk1A has better radar and materials. JF-17 has better payload and range. Overall, both are close in ability.

4. How many Rafales does India have?

India currently has 36 Rafale jets in service.

5. Can Pakistan match India’s air force?

In numbers, no. But Pakistan is closing the gap with modern JF-17s and J-10Cs. India still has the edge in quality and size.