Comparison of Indian and Pakistani Armies and Weapons

 Comparison of Indian and Pakistani Armies and Weapons: A Detailed Analysis

The Indian and Pakistani armed forces are two of the most significant military powers in South Asia. Their historical rivalry, stemming from the partition of British India in 1947, has led to multiple conflicts and continuous military competition. While both countries have developed robust defense mechanisms, they differ significantly in size, structure, technology, and strategic doctrines. This article provides a comprehensive comparison of the Indian and Pakistani armies and their weaponry.

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1. Army Size and Structure

Indian Army:

Active Personnel: ~1.25 million (world’s second-largest)

Reserves: ~960,000

Paramilitary Forces: Over 1 million (includes BSF, CRPF, Assam Rifles, etc.)

Structure: 14 corps, several independent brigades and divisions, including Mountain Strike Corps for Chinese border focus.

Pakistani Army:

Active Personnel: ~560,000

Reserves: ~550,000

Paramilitary Forces: Includes Rangers, Frontier Corps, and others.

Structure: 9 corps, each responsible for specific regions, especially border areas with India and Afghanistan.

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2. Land Warfare Capabilities

Main Battle Tanks (MBTs):

India:

T-90 Bhishma (Russian origin, Indian upgrade) – over 1,100

Arjun MBT (indigenously developed) – around 124

T-72 Ajeya – gradually being phased out

Pakistan:

Al-Khalid (co-developed with China) – ~600

T-80UD (Ukrainian origin) – ~320

Al-Zarrar (upgraded Type 59) – ~500

Artillery:

India:

Pinaka Multi Barrel Rocket Launchers (MBRL)

Dhanush howitzers (indigenous)

K9 Vajra (South Korean origin, Indian manufactured)

Pakistan:

SH-15 and SH-1 self-propelled howitzers (Chinese origin)

Nasr (short-range tactical nuclear-capable rocket)

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3. Air Power (Army Aviation)

India:

HAL Rudra (attack helicopter variant)

ALH Dhruv

Apache AH-64E (inducted for Western front)

Pakistan:

Mi-35M gunships

Bell AH-1 Cobra (aging)

Turkish T129 ATAK helicopters (procurement ongoing, delayed)

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4. Nuclear and Missile Capabilities

India:

Follows a No First Use (NFU) policy

Nuclear Triad: Air, Land, Sea-based deterrence

Ballistic Missiles:

Agni series (Agni-V range ~5,000+ km)

Prithvi series

Submarine-launched K-series (e.g., K-4, K-15)

Pakistan:

Does not adhere to NFU

Focus on tactical nuclear weapons

Ballistic Missiles:

Shaheen series

Ghauri series

Nasr (short-range tactical nuclear missile)

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5. Defense Budgets and Foreign Procurement

India:

2024-25 defense budget: Approx. $75 billion

Major imports from: Russia, Israel, France, USA

Growing focus on indigenous development via “Make in India”

Pakistan:

2024-25 defense budget: Approx. $11 billion

Major imports from: China, Turkey, Ukraine

Relies heavily on foreign military aid, especially from China

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6. Special Forces and Strategic Operations

India:

Para SF (Army Special Forces)

MARCOS (Navy)

Garud (Air Force)

Operated in surgical strikes (2016), Balakot airstrike (2019)

Pakistan:

Special Services Group (SSG)

Elite commando unit, participated in Kargil and counter-terror ops

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7. Defense Industry and Indigenous Development

India:

DRDO, HAL, BEL, and private sector arms are expanding

Developing TEJAS fighter jets, INS Vikrant (aircraft carrier), BrahMos missile (with Russia)

Pushing for strategic autonomy

Pakistan:

Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT) – tanks

Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) – JF-17 fighter (with China)

Relies on collaboration with China for tech and manufacturing

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Conclusion

While India holds a clear advantage in terms of size, budget, and diversification of weaponry, Pakistan’s strategic focus on tactical nuclear weapons and asymmetric warfare balances some of the disparity. India’s emphasis on modernization and indigenization continues to grow, while Pakistan maintains strategic depth through close defense ties with China.

Key Points Summary: | Factor | India | Pakistan | |--------|-------|----------| | Active Personnel | ~1.25 million | ~560,000 | | Main Battle Tanks | T-90, Arjun | Al-Khalid, T-80UD | | Nuclear Policy | No First Use | First Use Possible | | Defense Budget | ~$75 billion | ~$11 billion | | Missile Capability | Agni-V, K-series | Shaheen, Nasr | | Indigenous Development | Strong, expanding | Growing with China |