India vs. Pakistan: A Comparative Analysis of Military and Defence Systems

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 The military dynamics between India and Pakistan have been a focal point of global attention for decades. Both nations, sharing a contentious history and a nuclear arsenal, have developed distinct military doctrines and capabilities. This blog delves into a comparative analysis of their military and defence systems, examining aspects such as manpower, equipment, technological advancements, and strategic doctrines.

1. Military Manpower and Structure

India:

  • Active Personnel: Approximately 1.45 million active-duty personnel.

  • Reserves: Around 1.15 million reserve troops.

  • Paramilitary Forces: Over 2.5 million personnel.

  • Total Strength: India's total military strength exceeds 5 million personnel, making it one of the largest standing armed forces globally.

Pakistan:

  • Active Personnel: Approximately 643,000 active-duty personnel.

  • Reserves: Around 513,000 reserve troops.

  • Paramilitary Forces: Approximately 400,000 personnel.

  • Total Strength: Pakistan's total military strength is estimated at over 1.5 million personnel.

India's larger manpower provides it with a strategic advantage in terms of force projection and sustained operations.

2. Defence Budgets

  • India: Allocated approximately $73.9 billion for defence in 2023–2024.

  • Pakistan: Allocated around $6.34 billion for defence in the same period.

India's significantly higher defence budget allows for extensive procurement, research and development, and modernization programs across all military branches.

3. Land Forces and Armoured Vehicles

India:

  • Tanks: Approximately 4,614 tanks, including T-90 Bhishma and Arjun models.

  • Armoured Vehicles: Over 151,000 armoured vehicles.

  • Artillery: Modern artillery systems such as Bofors howitzers and K9 Vajra-T self-propelled guns.

Pakistan:

  • Tanks: Approximately 3,742 tanks, including Chinese-made Al-Khalid and T-80UD models.

  • Armoured Vehicles: A substantial number, though fewer than India.

  • Artillery: Modern artillery systems

India's superior numbers and advanced technology in land forces provide it with a significant advantage in ground operations.

4. Air Forces

India:

  • Total Aircraft: Approximately 2,296 aircraft, including 606 fighter jets.

  • Fighter Aircraft: Su-30MKI, Rafale, Mirage 2000, MiG-29, and the indigenous Tejas.

  • Helicopters: Approximately 720 helicopters, including attack and transport variants.

  • Transport Aircraft: Approximately 700 transport 

Pakistan:

  • Total Aircraft: Approximately 1,434 aircraft, including 387 fighter jets.

  • Fighter Aircraft: F-16, JF-17 Thunder, and newer additions such as the J-10C.

  • Helicopters: Approximately 320 helicopters.

  • Transport Aircraft: Approximately 290 transport aircraft.

India's larger and more diverse air fleet, coupled with advanced technologies, offers a strategic edge in aerial operations.

5. Naval Forces

India:

  • Personnel: Approximately 67,000 naval personnel.

  • Aircraft Carriers: 2 (INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant).

  • Destroyers: 11.

  • Frigates: 15.

  • Submarines: 15, including nuclear-powered submarines like INS Arihant.

  • Total Fleet Strength: A total of 294 naval assets, including warships and submarines.

Pakistan:

  • Personnel: Approximately 30,700 naval personnel.

  • Aircraft Carriers: None.

  • Destroyers: None.

  • Frigates: 9.

  • Submarines: 5.

  • Total Fleet Strength: Approximately 114 naval assets.

India's blue-water navy, capable of operating globally, contrasts with Pakistan's green-water navy, which has a more regional focus.

6. Nuclear Capabilities

Both India and Pakistan possess nuclear arsenals, though the exact number of warheads is not publicly disclosed.

  • India: Estimated to have around 110–120 nuclear warheads.

  • Pakistan: Estimated to have around 110–130 nuclear warheads.

Both nations have developed nuclear-capable delivery systems, including ballistic missiles and aircraft. The presence of nuclear weapons adds a layer of complexity to their military strategies and deterrence doctrines.

7. Technological Advancements and Indigenous Developments

India:

  • Missile Systems: Development and deployment of advanced missile systems such as BrahMos, Nirbhay, and Astra.

  • Air Defence Systems: Induction of the Akashteer system, an automated air defence control and reporting system, enhancing situational awareness and joint operations between the Army and Air Force.

  • Indigenous Aircraft: Development of the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft, showcasing India's growing capabilities in aerospace technology.

Pakistan:

  • Missile Systems: Development of various missile systems, including short-range and medium-range ballistic missiles.

  • Aircraft: Collaboration with China for the development of the JF-17 Thunder fighter jet.

India's emphasis on indigenous development and technological advancements positions it as a leader in defence innovation in the region.

Source: various news articles, news channels 


By, Saket Kumar Singh 

Founder, sayufinserv 

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