Indian Air Force needs to be strong in attack and defence

The current Indian Air Force (IAF) has an active strength of approximately 135,000 personnel as of early 2025, and operates a fleet of around 2,229 aircraft, making it the fourth largest air force in the world. The fleet includes a mix of combat aircraft, helicopters, transport, and trainer aircraft, supported by both indigenous and foreign-sourced platforms.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is planning to further strengthen its capacity. If the ongoing negotiations with Russia for the Su-57E stealth fighter jet are successful, then it can become the most dangerous pair in South Asia, along with the S-400 Triumf air defence system. This pair can become a big challenge for the Pakistan Air Force (PAF).

India has purchased 5 S-400 Triumf systems from Russia, three of which have been deployed. This system can prevent air attacks up to 400 km. It can track and destroy aircraft, drones, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles. Its features include:

Long range: Can see enemy aircraft-missiles up to 600 km. It can destroy up to 400 km.

Multi-target: Can track 300 targets simultaneously and destroy 36.

Mobile system: It can be moved quickly from one place to another, making it difficult for the enemy to track and target.

Su-57E is Russia's fifth-generation stealth fighter jet. If India buys it, it can become the most powerful weapon of the IAF. Its features include: Stealth technology: Its radar cross-section is low, that is, enemy radars cannot easily detect it. It can enter enemy territory and attack without getting caught; BrahMos: India's supersonic edge in modern warfare; Long Range Weapons: It can carry air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles; Super Manoeuvrability: It is fast and agile, which makes it perform better in war.

Advanced Sensors: Its sensors and network-centric systems can work in conjunction with other weapons of the IAF.

S-400 and Su-57E together give India unmatched strength in defence and attack.

S-400 protects India's skies from enemy aircraft, drones and missiles. It can destroy Pakistani aircraft even before they come near the Indian border. Its high reach brings many Pakistani airbases within its strike range. PAF planes can be caught as soon as they take off from bases like Sargodha and Kamra.

Su-57E, being a stealth fighter, can enter Pakistan's territory without being detected. It can accurately attack PAF's planes, bases or other targets. Its weapons can strike at long distances, causing PAF to suffer losses before it can respond.

The S-400 Triumf systems can prevent air attacks up to 400 km.

India has deployed S-400 Triumf systems on the borders of Pakistan and China, such as in Punjab, Rajasthan and Gujarat. With this, Pakistan's F-16, JF-17 and new J-10CE aircraft can be tracked and destroyed before they enter the Indian border. S-400 has been named Sudarshan Chakra in India.

The Future Combat Air System (FCAS) is a European combat system of systems under development by Dassault Aviation, Airbus and Indra Sistemas.

In Europe, the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) is the continent’s flagship initiative to remain relevant in the race for air dominance. Designed as a multi-national effort, FCAS aims to create a cutting-edge “system of systems” that will underpin Europe’s air superiority well into the 2040s and beyond.

India’s military capacity has grown in recent times, the reason could be to dominate the world power dynamic and also the increased geopolitical tensions along with continued conflicts among neighbouring countries. India is also witnessing significant growth in its modern missile arsenal, from Agni to Agni series (700-8000 km), BrahMos (290 km), and Astra (80-110 km).

Recently, India has successfully test-fired the Agni-5 ballistic missile from the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha, with a range of over 5,000 km.

Nag and Helina missiles help India to counter modern armoured threats with accurate, adaptive attack capabilities in various combat environments.

India follows a No First Use (NFU) nuclear doctrine but keeps increasing its minimum credible neutralise with new generation armoured RV and multiplatform delivery.

India’s missile arsenal matters majorly due to national security as deterrence against neighbourhood and global competitors need quick reaction and versatility. Alongside, strategic deterrence is the most important thing, like MIRV and submarine-based systems enhance second-strike survivability. India is focusing on garnering technological leadership, with domestic technology, which puts India in the world's top missile powers, with increasing exports and cooperation.

India's missile force is a beacon of self-reliance and strategic capability, serving as a pillar of national security in an unstable region. With ongoing innovation and strong domestic production, India will continue to be a major world player in missile technology for many years to come.