ISLAMABAD – With tensions escalating between the two nuclear-armedneighbors, both Pakistan and India are preparing for war.
Having already fought multiple wars over the disputed region of Kashmir,another war might be on the cards considering the war-mongering attitude ofthe Indian government.
Let’s compare the military arsenal of the South Asian rivals.Pakistan IndiaMilitary Budget $11 billion – 3.6% of GDP $58 billion – 2.1% of GDPForeign Military Assistance $100 million –Active Military Troops 653,800 1.4 millionNuclear Warheads 140-150 130-140Maximum Missile Range Shaheen 2 – 2,000 km Agni 3 – 3,000 to 5,000 kmArmy Troops: 560,000 Troops: 1.2 millionBattle Tanks: 2,496 Battle Tanks: 3,565Armored Personnel Carriers: 1,605 Armored Personnel Carriers: 336Artillery Guns: 4,472 Artillery Guns: 9,719Air Force
Personnel: 65,000 Personnel: 127,200Combat Aircraft: 425 Combat Aircraft: 814Early Warning and Control Aircraft: 7 Early Warning and Control Aircraft: 4
Navy
Personnel: 26,000 Personnel: 67,700Aircraft Carrier: 0 Aircraft Carrier: 1Submarines: 8 Submarines: 16Destroyers: No Data Available Destroyers: 14Frigates: 9 Frigates: 13Patrol and Coastal Combatant Vessels: 17 Patrol and Coastal CombatantVessels: 106Combat-capable Aircraft: 8 Combat-capable Aircraft: 75
While Pakistan’s military assets may be less than India, history has provedotherwise. Looking at India’s population of more than 1.3 billion, themilitary arsenal is justified. Pakistan, on the other hand, allocates amajor chunk of its budget for defense purposes.