Curious about the powerful fighter jets protecting India’s skies? The Indian Air Force (IAF) operates a mix of modern and reliable aircraft for air defense, ground attacks, and more. This guide lists all major fighter jets in the IAF as of 2025, with simple details like speed, range, weapons, and numbers in service. This is based on the latest information to help you understand IAF fighter jets, their specs, and roles.
The IAF currently operates around 550 fighter jets, including multirole fighters for air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.
1. Sukhoi Su-30MKI: The Backbone of the IAF
The Su-30MKI is a heavy, twin-engine fighter from Russia, built in India. It excels in air superiority and ground strikes, with many upgraded for enhanced performance.
- Origin: Russia/India
- Role: Multirole fighter
- In Service: 259
- Crew: 2 (pilot and co-pilot)
- Size: Length 21.9 m, Wingspan 14.7 m, Height 6.4 m
- Weight: Empty 18,400 kg, Max takeoff 38,800 kg
- Engine: 2 turbofan engines with afterburners
- Top Speed: ~2,120 km/h (Mach 2)
- Range: 3,000 km without refueling
- Highest Altitude: 17,300 m
- Weapons: 30mm gun, R-77 air-to-air missiles, Kh-31 anti-ship missiles, 500 kg bombs
- Fun Fact: Known for super maneuvers like flips during air shows.
2. Dassault Rafale: The Advanced French Jet
The Rafale is a versatile French jet, boosting India’s air power. It can carry nuclear weapons and has some stealth features.
- Origin: France
- Role: Multirole fighter
- In Service: 36 (28 single-seat, 8 two-seat)
- Crew: 1 or 2
- Size: Length 15.3 m, Wingspan 10.9 m, Height 5.3 m
- Weight: Empty 9,850 kg, Max takeoff 24,500 kg
- Engine: 2 turbofan engines with afterburners
- Top Speed: ~1,912 km/h (Mach 1.8)
- Range: 1,850 km (combat), up to 3,700 km with extra fuel
- Highest Altitude: 15,835 m
- Weapons: 30mm cannon, Meteor air-to-air missiles, SCALP ground-strike missiles, guided bombs
- Fun Fact: Used in missions for precise, long-range strikes.
3. HAL Tejas: India’s Home-Made Fighter
The Tejas is India’s light combat aircraft, reducing reliance on foreign jets. The Mk1 is in service, with the improved Mk1A coming soon.
- Origin: India
- Role: Light multirole fighter
- In Service: 37 (31 fighters + 6 trainers)
- Crew: 1 or 2 (trainers)
- Size: Length 13.2 m, Wingspan 8.2 m, Height 4.4 m
- Weight: Empty 6,560 kg, Max takeoff 13,500 kg
- Engine: 1 turbofan engine with afterburner
- Top Speed: ~2,220 km/h (Mach 1.8)
- Range: 739 km (combat), up to 3,000 km with extra fuel
- Highest Altitude: 16,000 m
- Weapons: 23mm gun, Astra air-to-air missiles, Python-5 close-combat missiles, bombs
- Fun Fact: “Tejas” means “radiance” in Sanskrit, a pride of India’s defense industry.
4. Mikoyan MiG-29: The Agile Russian Fighter
The MiG-29 (UPG variant) is a Soviet-era jet upgraded for India, ideal for dogfights and quick response.
- Origin: Soviet Union/Russia
- Role: Multirole fighter
- In Service: 59
- Crew: 1
- Size: Length 17.3 m, Wingspan 11.4 m, Height 4.7 m
- Weight: Empty 11,000 kg, Max takeoff 18,000 kg
- Engine: 2 turbofan engines
- Top Speed: ~2,400 km/h (Mach 2.25)
- Range: 1,430 km (combat)
- Highest Altitude: 18,000 m
- Weapons: 30mm gun, R-77 air-to-air missiles, guided bombs
- Fun Fact: Can take off from rough runways, perfect for tough conditions.
5. Dassault Mirage 2000: The Reliable Veteran
The Mirage 2000 (upgraded to “I” version) is a French jet with a long IAF history, still vital for multirole missions.
- Origin: France
- Role: Multirole fighter
- In Service: 46 (36 fighters + 10 trainers)
- Crew: 1 or 2
- Size: Length 14.4 m, Wingspan 9.1 m, Height 5.2 m
- Weight: Empty 7,500 kg, Max takeoff 17,000 kg
- Engine: 1 turbofan engine with afterburner
- Top Speed: ~2,336 km/h (Mach 2.2)
- Range: 1,550 km
- Highest Altitude: 17,060 m
- Weapons: Two 30mm cannons, MICA missiles, laser-guided bombs
- Fun Fact: Key in the 1999 Kargil War for precise bombing.
6. Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21: The Old But Tough Interceptor
The MiG-21 Bison is an upgraded Soviet jet, used for quick intercepts but nearing retirement.
- Origin: Soviet Union/India
- Role: Interceptor fighter
- In Service: 36
- Crew: 1
- Size: Length 15.8 m, Wingspan 7.2 m, Height 4.1 m
- Weight: Empty 5,350 kg, Max takeoff 9,800 kg
- Engine: 1 turbojet engine
- Top Speed: ~2,230 km/h (Mach 2.1)
- Range: 1,100 km
- Highest Altitude: 17,500 m
- Weapons: 23mm gun, air-to-air missiles, small bombs
- Fun Fact: Nicknamed “Fishbed,” it’s a veteran of many global conflicts.
7. SEPECAT Jaguar: The Ground Attack Specialist
The Jaguar, a British-French jet, specializes in ground attacks and has been upgraded for extended service.
- Origin: UK/France/India
- Role: Attack fighter
- In Service: 112 (78 attack, 8 maritime, 26 trainers)
- Crew: 1 or 2
- Size: Length 16.8 m, Wingspan 8.7 m, Height 4.9 m
- Weight: Empty 7,000 kg, Max takeoff 15,700 kg
- Engine: 2 turbofan engines
- Top Speed: ~1,699 km/h (Mach 1.6)
- Range: 815 km (combat)
- Highest Altitude: 14,000 m
- Weapons: Two 30mm cannons, Sea Eagle anti-ship missiles, cluster bombs
- Fun Fact: Excels in low-flying surprise attacks.
Quick Comparison Table of IAF Fighter Jets
| Jet Name | In Service | Top Speed (km/h) | Range (km) | Key Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Su-30MKI | 259 | 2,120 | 3,000 | Multirole |
| Rafale | 36 | 1,912 | 1,850 | Multirole |
| Tejas | 37 | 2,220 | 739 | Light Fighter |
| MiG-29 | 59 | 2,400 | 1,430 | Air Superiority |
| Mirage 2000 | 46 | 2,336 | 1,550 | Multirole |
| MiG-21 | 36 | 2,230 | 1,100 | Interceptor |
| Jaguar | 112 | 1,699 | 815 | Ground Attack |
The IAF is strengthening with more Tejas jets and potential future acquisitions. These fighters ensure India’s skies are secure. For more details on the IAF aircraft list or specs, check official sources. Stay tuned for updates!
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