The World Directory of Modern Military Aircraft (WDMMA) recently released its highly anticipated 2025 Global Air Power Rankings, evaluating the military aviation capabilities of 103 countries and 129 separate air services, including those from the army, navy, and maritime branches. This comprehensive assessment has sent shockwaves through global defense circles, particularly because it places India’s Air Force at the third most powerful position worldwide, ahead of China, which is ranked fourth. This outcome marks a significant moment in Asia’s military balance and has reportedly caused considerable unease within Beijing.
According to the WDMMA’s detailed evaluation, India scored an impressive 69.4 points, securing its place as the highest-ranked Asian country and third overall in the world. In contrast, China scored 63.8 points, placing it just behind India and signaling a notable setback for Beijing’s ambitions and self-image. These numbers reflect a thorough analysis of various factors, including fleet size, technological sophistication, operational readiness, and real-world combat effectiveness. This ranking is not a mere opinion poll or an informal assessment; rather, it stems from a reputable global defense analytics platform known for its rigorous methodology and data verification.
The reaction from China has been intense and revealing. Zhang Junshe, a commentator described as a “Chinese military affairs expert,” responded with what many observers have called an extraordinary meltdown. Writing for China’s state-run Global Times, Zhang dismissed the ranking as something “not to be taken seriously,” arguing that such lists fail to capture the true measure of military strength, which he defines narrowly as actual combat capability rather than “paper strength.” This defensive stance has drawn widespread criticism and ridicule internationally, especially considering China’s recent military record, which includes no significant war victories since 1979 and a history of limited conflict engagements largely centered on intimidating unarmed civilians or conducting shows of force rather than decisive combat operations.
In stark contrast, India’s Air Force has a well-documented history of operational success in real combat situations. From the high-altitude Kargil conflict to surgical strikes against terrorist camps, India has demonstrated not just strategic vision but also tactical proficiency in air operations. This practical experience is a crucial element in the WDMMA’s ranking criteria and one that significantly bolsters India’s position. The Indian Air Force’s advancements are also marked by its strategic induction of advanced weaponry and technology, including the deployment of Rafale fighter jets, which are renowned for their multirole capabilities and cutting-edge avionics. Additionally, upgraded squadrons of Su-30MKI aircraft act as formidable aerial platforms, while the recent acquisition of the S-400 air defense system has added a robust and layered shield to Indian airspace defense.
The significance of India’s third-place finish goes beyond military statistics; it represents the unraveling of a carefully constructed narrative that China has cultivated for years. Beijing has invested billions into modernizing its defense forces, promoting an image of invincibility while exerting pressure on neighboring countries through aggressive posturing and territorial claims. This ranking challenges that image head-on, exposing the gap between China’s projected power and its actual aviation capabilities. The WDMMA’s verdict serves as an independent, data-driven refutation of Beijing’s self-promoted status as Asia’s dominant air power.
China’s public reaction, especially from figures like Zhang Junshe, also underscores a growing insecurity within the Chinese establishment. Rather than engaging objectively with the ranking or acknowledging the areas where improvement is needed, the resort to dismissiveness and propaganda highlights a defensive posture uncharacteristic of a truly confident global military power. When a nation feels secure and capable, it typically embraces international assessments, using them as benchmarks for further progress rather than treating them as hostile attacks.
India’s rise in the WDMMA rankings is a testament to deliberate and sustained efforts in military modernization and strategic planning. The integration of advanced fighter jets, comprehensive upgrades to existing platforms, and the enhancement of air defense capabilities have collectively transformed the Indian Air Force into a formidable force. Equally important is India’s operational experience, which cannot be replaced by technology alone. Real-world combat deployments and successful missions provide invaluable lessons that sharpen readiness and effectiveness—attributes that China, despite its technological investments, cannot match at present.
This episode reveals a broader geopolitical trend: the shifting balance of military power in Asia, where India is increasingly emerging as a key player, capable of countering China’s growing influence. The WDMMA’s rankings highlight this shift in clear terms and provide