World Air Power Index 2022

Context

The World Directory of Modern Military Aircraft (WDMMA) has released the World Air Powers Ranking of 2022. 

• The Indian Air Force (IAF) has been placed at the third position on the World Air Power Index in terms of the total fighting strength of the various air services of different nations of the world.

Key-points 

• The report has evaluated the total fighting strength of the various air forces of different nations of the world and ranked them accordingly. 
  • Currently, WDMMA is following 98 nations, covering 124 air administrations and following 47,840 aeroplanes.
• The Global Air Powers Ranking (2022) report has given the highest TvR score of 242.9  to the United States Air Force (USAF). 
• It comprises a broad mix of aircraft types and many products are locally sourced from the massive industrial base of the country. 
• In addition, it maintains dedicated strategic-level bombers, a sizeable helo, CAS aircraft, fighter force and hundreds of transport aircraft and the USAF will be reinforced in the coming days with hundreds of units still on order.
  
  

The process of selection

• The formula produces the ‘True Value Rating’ (TvR), which helps WDMMA separate each power based on the overall strength and factors like modernisation, logistical support, attack and defence capabilities.
• Factors like modernization, logistical support, attack and defence capabilities are being considered.
  • Thus, the military air power of a country is not ranked only on the basis of its total quantity of aircraft but it also considers its quality and components of inventory.
• WDMMA states that the concept of TvR is under process and it keeps on updating as per the requirement.
• Importance is mainly given to those categories which are normally overlooked by some powers, namely special-mission, dedicated bomber force, CAS, training and on-order units. 
• It also focuses on local aero-industry capabilities, inventory balance (general mix of unit types) and force experience.