India vs Pakistan Military Showdown: If War Breaks Out, Who Will Dominate?
In the wake of Operation Sindoor, which resulted in the killing of 100 terrorists on Pakistani soil, tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated dramatically.
In the wake of Operation Sindoor, which resulted in the killing of 100 terrorists on Pakistani soil, tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated dramatically. The air is thick with the threat of a full-scale military conflict, and while India has asserted its military might with precision strikes, Pakistan is reportedly preparing to retaliate.
Table of Contents
While the outcome of a war seems predictable to many, analysts caution against underestimating Pakistan, which continues to invest in key defence areas. Here’s a comparative analysis of the military strength of both nations, based on data from GlobalFirepower.com and international defence sources.
Global Power Index Ranking
- India ranks 4th globally in military power (2025).
- Pakistan stands at 12th position.
Defence Spending
- India: Spent $86 billion in 2024 (2.3% of GDP).
- Pakistan: Spent $10.2 billion in 2024.
Personnel Strength
- India: 5,137,550 total military personnel.
- Pakistan: 1,704,000 personnel.
Air Force Capability
- India: 2,229 military aircraft.
- Pakistan: 1,399 aircraft.
- Helicopters: India (899), Pakistan (373).
- Attack Helicopters: India (80), Pakistan (57).
Ground Forces
- Combat Tanks: India (3,151), Pakistan (1,839).
- Battle Tanks (Total): India (4,201), Pakistan (2,627).
- Armored Vehicles: India (148,594), Pakistan (17,516).
- Self-propelled Artillery: India (100), Pakistan (662).
- Towed Artillery: India (3,975), Pakistan (2,629).
- Mobile Rocket Projectors: India (264), Pakistan (600).
Naval Strength
- Coastal Coverage:
- India: 6,100 km with 293 naval vessels.
- Pakistan: 1,046 km with 121 vessels.
- Aircraft Carriers: India (2), Pakistan (0).
- Submarines: India (18), Pakistan (8).
- Destroyers: India (13), Pakistan (0).
- Frigates: India (14), Pakistan (9).
- Corvettes: India (18), Pakistan (9).
- Patrol Vessels: India (135), Pakistan (69).
- Mine Warfare Vessels: Pakistan (3), India (0).
Strategic Infrastructure
- Airports: India (311), Pakistan (116).
- Merchant Marine Ships: India (1,859), Pakistan (60).
- Ports & Terminals: India (56), Pakistan (3).
Nuclear Arsenal
According to ICANW (2023):
- India: Spent $2.7 billion, holds 180+ nuclear weapons.
- Pakistan: Spent $1 billion, holds 170+ nuclear weapons.
Summary
India significantly outpaces Pakistan in personnel, air power, naval strength, and defence infrastructure. However, Pakistan maintains a sizeable artillery force and rocket systems, and its nuclear capability remains a serious factor in strategic calculations.
While India holds a decisive edge militarily, both nations possess enough firepower to cause catastrophic damage. Diplomacy remains critical to avoid further escalation and ensure regional peace.
