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India.com
9 hours ago
- Politics
- India.com
What is 4th, 4.5th, 5th generation in fighter jets? Which generation is India's Rafale jet? China is working on...
Fighter jets- Representative image After India launched Operation Sindoor on Pakistan, fighter jets like Rafale and US-F16 made multiple headlines across the world. The world talked about the powers of these 5th generation fighter jets and whether the S-400 Russian air defence system could intercept them or not. India's Rafael aircraft was also in news, as it was reportedly used to target terror camps in Pakistan. However, some terms that we commonly hear across world of fighter jets like the 4th, 4.5th, 5th generation. But do we really know what these terms actually mean? Fighter jets- Generational Overview: 4th Generation fighter jets: These fighter jets are lightweight, high speed, basic radar. They are used in missile combat operations of low intensity. 4.5th Generation fighter jets: The 4.5th Generation fighter jets like the Rafale fighter jet of India come with improved engines, stealth features, advanced sensors. 5th Generation fighter jets: The 5th Generation fighter jets come with stealth, supersonic cruise, AI, and multi-sensor data fusion, that make them the most destructive fighter jets to have ever existed. Rafale Jet: A 4.5th generation French-made fighter in the Indian Air Force, with stealth tech, advanced missile systems, a top speed of 1,912 km/h, and a range of 3,700 km. More notably, China is working on a 6th generation fighter jet named J-36 fighter jet. India approves execution model for 5th-gen fighter jet project In a recent development after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has cleared the 'execution model' to design and produce India's ambitious fifth-generation stealth fighter jet — the advanced medium combat aircraft (AMCA). India has been working on the ambitious AMCA project to develop the medium weight deep penetration fighter jet with advanced stealth features to bolster its air power capability. AMCA along with the Tejas light combat aircraft are planned to be the mainstays of the Indian Air Force. The defence ministry on Tuesday said Singh has approved the 'execution model' for AMCA that will be developed by Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) in cooperation with industry partners. The approval for the the critical step for development of the aircraft came against the backdrop of increasing focus on bolstering India's air power in view of China's rapid stride in the domain. (With inputs from agencies)
India.com
9 hours ago
- Politics
- India.com
World's largest air forces, India ranks at..., country at number 6 will shock you, name is...
The Indian Air Force is the fourth-largest in the world. (File) Largest Air Forces 2025: The recent India-Pakistan military confrontation, the Russia-Ukraine war, and the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East have proven that aerial superiority will decide the outcome of any and all future wars across the globe, and even a smaller nation, such as Israel, can keep a host of enemy countries at bay, primarily due to its superior air force. On that note, let us a take a look at the top 10 largest air forces in the world today, according to rankings based on data compiled through 2024 and released in 2025 by World Population Review. Countries are ranked based on their number of military aircraft which are currently in service: United States (United States Air Force): Unsurprisingly, the United States Air Force (USAF) is the world's largest air force, boasting a fleet of 14,000 warplanes, coupled with some of the most cutting-edge technology in avionics, weaponry, stealth, and radar tech. This number includes aircraft in fleets of all branches of the US Armed Forces, including the Air Force, Navy, Marines, and the US Army. Russia: The Russian Air Force (RAF) stands a distant second in the list of largest air forces, with a fleet estimated at around 4,292 military planes, which includes a combination of lethal bombers such as the Tupolev Tu-160 'White Swan', as well as advanced fighter jets like the Su-35, and the 5th-gen Sukhoi Su-57. China: The People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) aka the Chinese Air Force, ranks third with a fleet of 3,304 military planes, including the 5th-generation J-20 and J-35 stealth fighter jet, and a recently unveiled 6th-gen fighter jet (the world's first), unofficially dubbed the J-36. India: The India Air Force (IAF) is one of the most formidable air forces on the planet, boasting the world's fourth-largest military aircraft fleet which current stands at 2,296 fighters, including 4.5-gen French Rafale fighters which decimated Pakistan in the recent conflict. Japan: The Japanese air force, officially known as the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF), is one of the well-equipped globally, boasting a fleet of US-made 5th-generation fighter jets such as the F-35 Lightning II, and the F-15J– an upgraded version of the F-35 specifically designed for Japan. The JASDF has a fleet of 1,459 military planes, according to latest estimates. Pakistan: Despite its failing economy, Pakistan has managed to remain a formidable military force in South Asia, periodically making enhancements to its Armed forces, especially the Pakistan Air Force. At present, the PAF has a fleet of 1,434 fighter planes, which include a mix of US-made F-16s, Chinese JF-17 Thunder and J10C fighters, and French Mirage jets. South Korea: Owing to its strategic alliance with the US, South Korea has built a formidable air force to counter regional threats, especially from its nuclear-armed North Korean cousins. The South Korean Air Force, officially called the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF), boasts a fleet of 1,171 fighter jets, including US-made F-35A Lightning II, KF-16 fighters, and indigenous KAI T-50 trainers. Egypt: Egypt maintains one of the largest air forces in the Middle East, with the Egyptian Air Force currently having an operational fleet of 1,093 fighter planes, which includes a unique mix of US F16s, French Rafales, and Russian MiGs. Turkey: A key NATO ally that has emerged as a global force in defense manufacturing, especially advanced military drones, also boasts a formidable air force, which is one of the largest in West Asia. The Turkish Air Force has a fleet of 1,069 fighter jets, including F-16 Fighting Falcons, but its primary strength remains unmanned aerial systems such as the globally-recognized Bayraktar military drones. France: A key defence manufacturer in the European Union (EU) and NATO, France maintains a formidable air force that is backed by an advanced fleet of indigenously built Rafale fighter jets, and bleeding-edge military technology capable of dusting an even larger military force. The French Air and Space Force (FASF) currently has fleet of 972 advanced fighter jets, along with transport and reconnaissance aircraft.
India.com
10 hours ago
- Business
- India.com
BIG trouble for China, Pakistan as India, US, Russia, to dominate the skies with F-35 and...
India recently unveiled a prototype of its AMCA 5th-generation fighter jet. (File) The recent India-Pakistan conflict proved how future wars would be decided by superior power as the Indian Air Force (IAF) fighter jets decimated Pakistani military infrastructure and terrorist bases deep inside the enemy country with precise, yet deadly airstrikes. But imagine what advanced 5th generation fighter jets made by Russia, India, and the United States could do together if these three military powers combined their aerial prowess against the combined strength of Pakistan and China. Let us take a look at the latest 5th-generation fighter planes being developed by India, Russia and the US: While Russia has the Sukhoi Su-57 stealth fighter jet, a multirole 5th-generation fighter equipped with hypersonic missiles, in addition to stealth and super cruise technology, the United States has the monstrous F-35, its own 5th-gen fighter aircraft featuring advanced avionics and superior stealth technology, making it a formidable offensive weapon for any air force. On the other hand, India is mulling to procure its first fleet of 5th-generation fighter jets, and is weighing its options to acquire either the US-made F-35A, or the Russian-built Sukhoi Su-57. Notably, Russia, New Delhi's trusted defence partner and top weapons supplier, recently offered an enticing deal on the Sukhoi Su-57 fighter jet, offering to sell the 5th-gen fighter to India as well as an assured transfer of technology, something which the US is unwilling to do. Additionally, India has its own indigenous 5th generation fighter jet program, with the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA)– an agency under the Ministry of Defence (MoD), being tasked with designing the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), and mass production expected to begin by 2035. The AMCA is being developed as a multirole fighter aircraft, capable of carrying out various types of missions, including air supremacy, ground-strikes, Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) and electronic warfare (EW), according to details. Tough challenge for China, Pakistan Apart from the US and Russia, China is only the third country in the world to possess a 5th-gen aircraft at present, with its Chengdu J-20, aka the 'Mighty Dragon'– a twin-engine all-weather stealth fighter– regarded as the most advanced warplane in Asia. However, Chinese J-20 fighter will face a tough challenge in the skies if the AMCA, F-35 and Su-57 fly together. On the other hand, the Chinese-made JF-17– a 4.5 generation fighter jet– is the latest in the arsenal of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), but experts believe that this jet does not stand a chance against any of the above mentioned advanced fighters.
India.com
11 hours ago
- Politics
- India.com
Inside Operation Sindoor: How IAF Blinded, Numbed, Paralysed PAF; Pushed It 5 Years Back
New Delhi: The Indian Air Force (IAF) dramatically altered the balance of aerial power in South Asia earlier this month with a swift and calculated military operation against Pakistan following the April 22 Pahalham terror attack. Over the course of just four days, Indian strikes rendered Pakistan's air capabilities ineffective and set them back by at least five years, claimed top defense sources involved in the mission. Codenamed as Operation Sindoor, the strikes were launched following a missile attack by Pakistan in retaliation to Indian strikes on terror infrastructure in Bahawalpur and Muridke on May 6 and 7. But what followed next was a meticulously planned and precisely executed counter-offensive by the Indian forces that left Pakistan's Air Force 'disoriented', 'blinded' and, in military terms, 'paralysed'. The conflict escalated on the intervening night of May 9 and 10. Armed with an arsenal of stand-off weapons, including air-launched cruise missiles and loitering munitions, Indian aircraft struck deep into Pakistani territory. From Sargodha to Jacobabad, important air bases across the country and even a military cantonment in Karachi were targeted. Among the most significant strike was the assault on Pakistan's Bholari air base, where a hangar housing a Saab 2000 AEW&C aircraft and several fighter jets was obliterated. According to sources, the debris from the destruction still had not been cleared days later that is an indication of the magnitude of the damage. 'We Can Go Deep, We Can Go Wide' Indian military planners sought to disable Pakistan's ability to respond – beginning with its air defense network. Radar stations across Pakistani Punjab were taken out using Harop and Harpy loitering munitions. The offensive effectively blinded the PAF's surveillance capabilities. By May 8, key radar coverage had gone dark. It forced Pakistani jets to operate cautiously and stay deep within their territory. On the ground, Indian artillery and rocket units kept the Pakistan Army pinned down along the Jammu & Kashmir front. It ensured that pressure was maintained across all domains. Command and Control Breakdown One of the most decisive moments came when India targeted and destroyed command and control centers at Chaklala, Sargodha and Murid air bases using high-precision supersonic cruise missiles such as the Rampage and Scalp. These attacks severely disrupted Pakistan's aerial coordination, with no functional link between their airborne early-warning systems and ground control. Caught in the fog of war, Pakistani aircraft began using civilian traffic as cover – an act seen by observers as both desperate and dangerous. Pakistan attempted to hit back on May 9 and 10 and launched missiles and drones sourced from China and Turkey. However, India's multi-layered air defense – ranging from modern S-400 systems to older L-70 guns – intercepted most threats. In fact, sources say some Pakistani missiles fell almost completely intact, failed to detonate and ended up in the hands of Indian villagers who handed them over to the military. The Message Was Clear Indian strikes were launched from deep within its own territory, without crossing into Pakistani airspace. The precision and power of these attacks - tracked in real-time by satellites and Indian AWACS aircraft – left little doubt about India's intent and capability. Military insiders described the operation as a masterclass in modern warfare and noted how surgical strikes on radar stations, missile sites and air bases created a 'decision paralysis' within the Pakistani command structure. The scale of the damage extended beyond hardware. Pakistani reliance on Chinese and Turkish weaponry – much of which underperformed – also came under scrutiny. In several instances, Indian vintage systems like Pechora and OSA-AK outclassed newer foreign imports. The Ceasefire By the morning of May 10, Pakistan had reached out through diplomatic and military backchannels seeking a ceasefire. Indian officials suggest this rapid outreach was spurred by the intensity and effectiveness of the strikes. Sources say Indian leadership had made it clear from the outset – this was not going to be a token response. Targets were selected with an intention to cause lasting damage to Pakistan's terror infrastructure and the military apparatus that shields it. Though the IAF is still conducting post-strike technical assessments, preliminary analysis suggests the operation achieved its strategic objectives. A full official account will be released only after '500 percent' verification, as one source put it. For now, however, Operation Sindoor stands as one of the most impactful air campaigns in recent regional history – executed with precision, resolve and a message that resonates far beyond the subcontinent.
Hindustan Times
12 hours ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Tackling child beggary: Lko admin for putting kids in school, provide income source to parents
The district administration has decided to adopt a multi-pronged approach to child beggary as part of its ongoing crackdown against the menace. The focus will be to send children to schools and help their parents with alternative sources of income through various welfare schemes of the government. The district administration had roped in nine experts - drawn mostly from higher educational institutions of the state capital - to help create public awareness and make the campaign a success. District magistrate Vishakh G chaired the first meeting with the experts, who shared suggestions with him of how they can be a part of this drive. Squadron leader Toolika Rani, ex-officer, Indian Air Force and mountaineer, currently working as an assistant professor at the department of history, DSN College, Unnao, proposed that the district administration may play messages of prominent citizens over giant screens installed at city crossings, with whom the city folks will relate. Rani proposed that she can lend her voice against child beggary and that it can be broadcast via FM channels or through the government's own publicity mechanism. It was proposed that a helpline number will be made public through which people who want to help child beggars financially may contribute and the money shall be used for betterment of child beggars in different ways. DM said that with the help of Bal Sewa scheme they will try to help child beggars. IIML assistant professor Kshitij Awasthi of strategic management said, 'It is sad that a time when children between the age of 5 to 14 years who are supposed to go to schools are actually on the streets, begging for alms. It was our first introductory meeting with the DM who explained the purpose of this drive which is going on since February 1 this year. The DM briefed that while his team has acted against the syndicate working behind this, it will show good results when citizens of the state capital will come forward and help the administration in making this campaign a success. LU assistant professor Manini Srivastava said, 'The meeting was fruitful. We now know exactly what the administration's expectations are from all of us. In our next meeting, we will be better armed with suggestions on how to be a part of this movement.' Anoop Kumar Bhartiya, professor, University of Lucknow, talked about his own study conducted on beggars and shared experiences. He said, 'There is a syndicate working wherein these poor children are dropped at city intersections and are picked up in the evening. 'Segregation of beggars is important and people have to be told not to give financial assistance to beggars. If people want to help, citizens may help the administration and help them to rehabilitate. It is important to make their parents aware. We must boost rehabilitation of those trapped in the racket.' The district administration has been carrying out an enforcement drive campaign since February 1 this year by deploying teams at prominent intersections (hot spots) such as Hazratganj, Lal Batti, Awadh crossing, Indira Gandhi Pratishthan crossing, Charbagh, Engineering College, Tedhipulia, Aliganj, Kapoorthala, etc.
