This presents a comprehensive comparative analysis of the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of India across two major defense domains: Air Forces and naval forces. The assessment evaluates capabilities in aircraft carriers, surface combatants, submarines, and naval air arms, highlighting numerical strengths, technological advancement, and strategic posture. As both nations vie for regional dominance in the strategically crucial Indo-Pacific, understanding these capabilities is not only essential but also urgent for gauging the evolving balance of power in the region.
Air Force Comparison
China: People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF)
Inventory. Over 2,000 combat aircraft, making it the most significant air force in Asia.
Modern Fighters. This includes the J-20 stealth fighter (5th-generation), the J-16 multirole strike aircraft, and the J-10C, a highly maneuverable air superiority platform equipped with AESA radar and PL-15 long-range missiles.
Bombers. Operates H-6 variants, some capable of carrying cruise missiles and air-launched ballistic missiles, significantly extending the reach of China’s strike capability.
Support Assets. KJ-2000/500 AEW&C for airborne early warning, Y-20 heavy transports for strategic mobility, and Il-78 for aerial refueling.
Key Strengths: Robust numerical superiority, developing stealth capability, extensive missile inventory, and increasing emphasis on force projection and joint operations.
India: Indian Air Force (IAF)
Inventory. Approximately 600 combat aircraft, with an emphasis on multirole and heavy platforms.
Modern Fighters: Rafale (4.5-gen multirole with advanced avionics and BVR capabilities), Su-30MKI (licensed Russian platform customized for India), Tejas Mk1 (indigenous light combat aircraft), MiG-29UPG (upgraded for precision strike).
Bombers: Do not operate dedicated bombers; use multirole fighters for strike operations.
Support Assets: Netra and Phalcon AEW&C systems, Il-78 refueling aircraft, and a substantial fleet of C-17 Globemaster and C-130J Super Hercules transports.
Key Strengths: High platform quality, integrated command systems, operational experience in diverse environments, and strategic partnerships with Western defense suppliers.
Assessment
The PLAAF outpaces the IAF in terms of quantity, stealth capabilities, and strategic strike assets. However, the IAF’s operational flexibility, superior pilot training, and Western interoperability contribute to a resilient and responsive air force. India’s ongoing modernization and indigenous development efforts, such as the Tejas Mk2 and AMCA programs, hold the potential to bridge the gap and significantly enhance India’s capabilities in the future.
Naval Forces Comparison
China (PLAN) – Aircraft Carriers
Liaoning (CV-16). Rebuilt from a Soviet hull; the STOBAR design was used primarily for training and doctrine development.
Shandong (CV-17). China’s first indigenously built carrier, also STOBAR, is operational with improvements over the Liaoning.
Fujian (CV-18). The PLAN’s first CATOBAR carrier, equipped with an Electromagnetic Launch System (EMALS), represents a significant leap toward blue-water power projection and is currently undergoing trials.
Naval Fighters. J-15 Flanker derivatives are currently based in Liaoning and Shandong. The upcoming J-35 stealth carrier fighter is poised to enhance PLAN’s deck-based capabilities.
India (IN)
INS Vikramaditya. A modified Kiev-class STOBAR carrier, operational with MiG-29K air wing.
INS Vikrant. India’s first indigenously built aircraft carrier, operational as of 2023–24, features the MiG-29K; future integration with the TEDBF (Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter) is planned.
Naval Fighters. The MiG-29K, of Russian origin, has been plagued by reliability and maintenance issues, but it forms the current carrier-based backbone. TEDBF is under design for deployment in the early 2030s.
Assessment
While both navies operate STOBAR carriers, China has diversified its fleet and is moving toward more capable CATOBAR operations. India’s indigenous carrier program is a significant achievement, but it will require more advanced air wings and sustained operational readiness to match Chinese ambitions. The need for India to match these ambitions is not just a strategic necessity but a pressing reality that must be addressed.
China (PLAN)- Surface Combatants
Destroyers. The Type 055 is one of the most advanced destroyers globally, featuring 112 vertical launch system (VLS) cells, stealth shaping, and advanced sensors. Type 052D destroyers are comparable to the U.S. Arleigh Burke class.
Frigates:.The Type 054A frigate is a multi-role vessel well-suited for escort duties and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) operations.
Corvettes. Type 056A corvettes are optimized for coastal patrol and ASW in littoral zones.
Amphibious Ships. Type 071 LPDs and Type 075 LHDs enhance China’s expeditionary warfare capability.
Total Surface Ships. An estimated over 350, with a high rate of new vessel commissioning annually.
India (IN)
Destroyers. The Kolkata and Visakhapatnam classes represent high-end platforms with stealth features and modern sensors.
Frigates. The Shivalik-class (stealth frigates) and Talwar-class (Russian-built) serve as primary multi-role vessels.
Corvettes. Kamorta-class, domestically built and optimized for ASW.
Amphibious Ships. Limited in number, older designs are primarily suited for transport, rather than high-intensity expeditionary operations.
Total Surface Ships. Approximately 130, with modernization plans underway.
Assessment
China has achieved unmatched scale and variety in surface warfare platforms. India’s fleet is capable but lacks the industrial throughput and numerical presence of the PLAN. Indigenous programs are vital for future parity.
China (PLAN)-Submarines
SSBNs: Type 094 class provides China with second-strike nuclear capability; Type 096 is under development.
SSNs: Type 093 class operational; Type 095 aims for quieter, more survivable platforms.
SSKs. Yuan-class (Type 039A/B) with AIP systems for enhanced underwater endurance.
Total Submarines. Estimated at 60–70 across all classes.
India (IN):
SSBNs. INS Arihant operational, part of India’s nuclear triad; INS Arighat nearing commissioning.
SSNs. One Akula-class SSN was leased from Russia; the indigenous SSN program has started but is years from fruition.
SSKs. Kalvari class (Scorpène design, French origin), along with older Kilo and Shishumar classes.
Total Submarines. With expansion plans underway, around 16.
Assessment
China’s submarine fleet is significantly more extensive and technologically diverse. India is developing its strategic underwater capabilities but needs to accelerate the induction of both nuclear and diesel-electric submarines.
China (PLAN) – Naval Air Arm
Carrier Aircraft. Operates J-15 fighters; developing J-35 for next-generation operations.
Land-Based Aircraft. H-6G bombers for anti-ship roles, Y-8Q for ASW, and Z-18 helicopters for SAR/utility.
UAVs. Fielding maritime drones for ISR, targeting, and potential strike roles.
India (IN)
Carrier Aircraft: MiG-29K in operation; TEDBF is intended to modernize the deck-based fleet.
Land-Based Aircraft: The P-8I Poseidon offers unmatched maritime surveillance and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities; the Dornier Do-228 is utilized for coastal patrol.
Helicopters: MH-60R Seahawks (newly inducted), Sea Kings, and Kamovs serve diverse roles.
UAVs: Heron UAVs in use; acquisition of MQ-9B SeaGuardian expected to improve ISR and targeting.
Assessment
India leads in long-range maritime surveillance due to the P-8I. China, however, is better positioned for the mass deployment of carrier-based aircraft and the integration of UAVs into fleet operations.
Conclusion
The Chinese People’s Liberation Army has established a clear lead in terms of scale, modernization pace, and comprehensive force projection in both the air and naval domains. China’s sustained investment in stealth aircraft, carrier battle groups, and submarine fleets gives it a growing advantage in regional and global military influence. Conversely, India maintains a competent and technologically sophisticated force, boasting standout assets such as the Rafale, P-8I, and upcoming indigenous programs. However, numerical gaps and dependency on foreign platforms remain challenges. Strategic modernization, accelerated indigenous production, and deeper international cooperation will be crucial for India to maintain a credible deterrent and regional balance.