07.05.2025 18:51
Following the missile attacks carried out by the Indian army on Pakistan and the Pakistan-administered Azad Kashmir region, attention has turned to the military capabilities of the two countries. Although both neighboring countries, which possess nuclear warheads, have significant land, naval, and air forces as a reflection of longstanding security concerns, one side holds a greater weight in the balance of power.
After the missile attacks carried out by the Indian army on Pakistan and the Azad Kashmir region affiliated with Pakistan, attention turned to the military capabilities of the two countries.
BUDGET AND PERSONNEL COUNT
According to 2024 data; India, with a total defense budget of $86.1 billion, is the second country in the world with the most active military personnel, having 1 million 475 thousand active personnel. Pakistan, which allocated $10.2 billion to defense last year, has an army with 660 thousand active soldiers.
AIR POWER
Ranked 4th in the world in terms of air power, New Delhi has 730 combat aircraft, while Islamabad has 452 combat aircraft.
LAND POWER
Among the two neighboring countries on the brink of war, India stands out in terms of land power. The Indian army supports its 3,740 tanks with 9,743 artillery batteries. The Pakistani army has 2,537 tanks and 4,619 artillery batteries.
NAVAL POWER
The most significant difference in military power between the two countries is felt in the blue waters. India's fleet, led by 2 aircraft carriers, also includes 16 frigates and submarines. Pakistan's naval forces, which do not have an aircraft carrier, consist of 10 frigates and 8 submarines.
NUCLEAR POWER
As in past crises between the two countries, the recent conflicts also raise concerns about a 'nuclear disaster'. There is a balance between New Delhi and Islamabad in this area. India has 172 nuclear warheads, while Pakistan has 170. India adopts a policy of 'not being the first to use', while Pakistan follows a 'full-spectrum deterrence' strategy.