Twenty six civilians—mostly tourists—were killed in broad daylight on Tuesday when terrorists opened fire near Pahalgam, a scenic town in Jammu and Kashmir. It was the deadliest attack since the Pulwama suicide bombing of 2019. A shadowy outfit called The Resistance Front (TRF), reportedly backed by the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility.
India is significantly more prepared today to strike at terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan than it was during the Balakot air strikes in 2019, according to senior defence sources cited by ET Bureau. The shift stems from key upgrades in India’s air strike capabilities and strategic assets.
The Indian Air Force now fields Rafale fighter jets armed with SCALP missiles, which have a strike range exceeding 300 km. These precision-guided, stand-off weapons allow India to hit high-value targets deep within Pakistani territory—without crossing the border. This operational reach not only enhances the element of surprise but also limits risk to Indian pilots and assets.
India has also deployed the S-400 air defence system, capable of tracking and neutralising incoming threats at long ranges. In addition, the armed forces now possess loitering munitions, which can hover in contested airspace before locking onto and destroying a target, adding flexibility in dynamic combat scenarios.
Indian Armed Forces: The Numbers and the Muscle
In the face of heightened tensions, India’s military preparedness is under scrutiny. According to the Global Firepower Index 2025, India holds the fourth position globally in terms of military capability, while Pakistan has slipped to twelfth.
India maintains 1,455,550 active personnel, backed by 1,155,000 reservists and over 2.5 million paramilitary forces. In contrast, Pakistan’s active military strength stands at 654,000 with about 500,000 paramilitary troops.
On land, India dominates. It fields 4,201 tanks, including advanced T-90 Bhishma and Arjun models. In contrast, Pakistan operates 2,627 tanks. India also maintains nearly 149,000 armoured vehicles—three times more than Pakistan. However, Pakistan has a numerical edge in self-propelled artillery systems.
The Indian Army forms the backbone of India’s defence, especially in terms of land warfare and border defence. The inventory includes (approximate figures):
India’s tank fleet is nearly double that of Pakistan (2,627 tanks). It also operates a significantly larger number of armoured fighting vehicles and field artillery systems. While Pakistan holds an edge in self-propelled artillery, India’s recent emphasis has been on mobile firepower and border-ready infrastructure.
The Indian Army is also undergoing modernisation with a strong emphasis on indigenisation and tech integration. This includes upgrading ageing platforms and introducing night-fighting capabilities, digital battlefield networks, and integrated command structures.
Aerial Supremacy: India’s Expanding Sky Power
In the skies, India fields 2,229 aircraft, including 513 fighter jets. Pakistan has 1,399 aircraft and 328 fighters. India has a larger helicopter fleet (899 vs 373) and a superior aerial refuelling capacity with six tankers, compared to Pakistan’s four.
The Indian Air Force is also looking ahead. The recently finalised deal with France for 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets is a milestone. These aircraft, worth ₹63,000 crore, will be stationed aboard India’s aircraft carriers, further enhancing India’s air-naval capabilities. “The event is also planned to be held outside the Defence Ministry headquarters in South Block,” defence sources told ANI, adding that French Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu will visit India for the signing.
This deal will push India’s Rafale fleet to 62 aircraft, bolstering its 4.5-generation combat capability. The Rafales already in operation from Ambala and Hashimara airbases have enhanced India’s rapid response edge.
India’s air power plays a critical role in deterrence and rapid deployment. The Indian Air Force has a total fleet of 2,229 aircraft, including:
A key recent development is India’s ₹63,000 crore deal with France to acquire 26 Rafale Marine aircraft. These carrier-capable fighter jets will operate from India’s aircraft carriers and strengthen maritime air power. This follows the earlier acquisition of 36 Rafale jets, now fully operational at Ambala and Hashimara.
India’s air modernisation plans also include the induction of the indigenously developed Tejas Mk-2, upgrades to the Su-30MKI fleet, and active planning for fifth-generation fighters under the AMCA project.
A Blue-Water Navy with Teeth
India’s maritime power is critical given its long coastline and growing Indo-Pacific presence. The Indian Navy is now a blue-water force with a fleet of 293 warships, including two aircraft carriers—INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant—capable of global deployment.
India operates 18 submarines compared to Pakistan’s eight. Notably, Pakistan has zero destroyers or aircraft carriers. This limits its role to a green-water navy—restricted to regional operations.
The Indian Navy also recently commissioned Predator drones from the US to strengthen surveillance in the Indian Ocean. These MQ-9B drones will be divided among the Navy, Army, and Air Force. Delivery will begin four years from the signing.
The Indian Navy has evolved into a true blue-water force, capable of extended operations beyond regional waters. Its current fleet includes:
India’s naval strategy is anchored in sea control across the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and the Indo-Pacific. The induction of MQ-9Predator drones from the United States will enhance surveillance and intelligence gathering across critical sea lanes.
India is also expanding its underwater capability with nuclear-powered submarines under the Arihant-class programme and conventionally powered subs under Project-75I.
Defence Spending and Modernisation
India’s defence budget for FY 2025-26 stands at ₹6.8 lakh crore ($79 billion)—a 9.5% rise from the previous year. Pakistan’s defence budget has been increased by Rs 159 billion to a total of Rs 2,281 billion.
India is pushing hard on modernisation. Beyond hardware, its focus lies in indigenisation. Defence exports rose by 78% in Q1 FY2024–25, reaching ₹6,915 crore. The goal: ₹50,000 crore in defence exports over five years.
As part of this drive, India opened a domestic manufacturing facility for C-295 transport aircraft in 2024. It also inducted a new fleet of advanced Predator drones, strengthening both surveillance and combat capabilities.
Nuclear and Cyber Capabilities
India also holds a nuclear arsenal of approximately 160 warheads, supported by delivery systems including intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), submarine-launched missiles (SLBMs), and air-launched cruise missiles.
Cyber warfare is another rising front. While India maintains a defensive cyber posture, its intelligence wings—RAW and IB—have expanded capabilities to monitor and counter regional threats.
India’s cyber command is under active expansion, with dedicated teams under the Ministry of Defence and intelligence agencies. While primarily defensive, India has demonstrated offensive cyber capability, as seen in counter-terror ops and cross-border surveillance.
In space, India has developed dedicated military satellites for reconnaissance, communications, and navigation—most notably under the GSAT and RISAT programmes.
India’s defence capabilities have seen rapid advancement over the past year. Whether through air, land, sea, or cyberspace, the Indian Armed Forces are better equipped today than they have been in decades. While diplomatic channels remain open, the Pahalgam attack has once again brought the military equation between India and Pakistan under sharp focus.
While India reels from the aftermath, Pakistan has distanced itself. “Pakistan has no link with the Pagalgam terror attack,” said Defence Minister Khawaja Asif.
Despite the denial, Indian intelligence agencies are investigating tell-tale signs of coordination. Forensic reports and survivor accounts suggest the use of military-grade weapons and advanced communication gear. This has heightened suspicion of support from trained handlers operating across the Line of Control.
Should India be forced to strike back, it now has both the muscle and the mandate.
(With inputs from agencies)
India is significantly more prepared today to strike at terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan than it was during the Balakot air strikes in 2019, according to senior defence sources cited by ET Bureau. The shift stems from key upgrades in India’s air strike capabilities and strategic assets.
The Indian Air Force now fields Rafale fighter jets armed with SCALP missiles, which have a strike range exceeding 300 km. These precision-guided, stand-off weapons allow India to hit high-value targets deep within Pakistani territory—without crossing the border. This operational reach not only enhances the element of surprise but also limits risk to Indian pilots and assets.
India has also deployed the S-400 air defence system, capable of tracking and neutralising incoming threats at long ranges. In addition, the armed forces now possess loitering munitions, which can hover in contested airspace before locking onto and destroying a target, adding flexibility in dynamic combat scenarios.
Indian Armed Forces: The Numbers and the Muscle
In the face of heightened tensions, India’s military preparedness is under scrutiny. According to the Global Firepower Index 2025, India holds the fourth position globally in terms of military capability, while Pakistan has slipped to twelfth.
India maintains 1,455,550 active personnel, backed by 1,155,000 reservists and over 2.5 million paramilitary forces. In contrast, Pakistan’s active military strength stands at 654,000 with about 500,000 paramilitary troops.
On land, India dominates. It fields 4,201 tanks, including advanced T-90 Bhishma and Arjun models. In contrast, Pakistan operates 2,627 tanks. India also maintains nearly 149,000 armoured vehicles—three times more than Pakistan. However, Pakistan has a numerical edge in self-propelled artillery systems.
The Indian Army forms the backbone of India’s defence, especially in terms of land warfare and border defence. The inventory includes (approximate figures):
- Tanks: 4,201 (T-90 Bhishma, Arjun, and other models)
- Armoured vehicles: 148,050+
- Artillery: 4,204 towed artillery guns
- Rocket projectors: 1,338 units
- Self-propelled artillery systems: 100 units
India’s tank fleet is nearly double that of Pakistan (2,627 tanks). It also operates a significantly larger number of armoured fighting vehicles and field artillery systems. While Pakistan holds an edge in self-propelled artillery, India’s recent emphasis has been on mobile firepower and border-ready infrastructure.
The Indian Army is also undergoing modernisation with a strong emphasis on indigenisation and tech integration. This includes upgrading ageing platforms and introducing night-fighting capabilities, digital battlefield networks, and integrated command structures.
Aerial Supremacy: India’s Expanding Sky Power
In the skies, India fields 2,229 aircraft, including 513 fighter jets. Pakistan has 1,399 aircraft and 328 fighters. India has a larger helicopter fleet (899 vs 373) and a superior aerial refuelling capacity with six tankers, compared to Pakistan’s four.
The Indian Air Force is also looking ahead. The recently finalised deal with France for 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets is a milestone. These aircraft, worth ₹63,000 crore, will be stationed aboard India’s aircraft carriers, further enhancing India’s air-naval capabilities. “The event is also planned to be held outside the Defence Ministry headquarters in South Block,” defence sources told ANI, adding that French Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu will visit India for the signing.
This deal will push India’s Rafale fleet to 62 aircraft, bolstering its 4.5-generation combat capability. The Rafales already in operation from Ambala and Hashimara airbases have enhanced India’s rapid response edge.
India’s air power plays a critical role in deterrence and rapid deployment. The Indian Air Force has a total fleet of 2,229 aircraft, including:
- Fighter jets: 513
- Helicopters: 899
- Transport aircraft: 560+
- Aerial tankers: 6
A key recent development is India’s ₹63,000 crore deal with France to acquire 26 Rafale Marine aircraft. These carrier-capable fighter jets will operate from India’s aircraft carriers and strengthen maritime air power. This follows the earlier acquisition of 36 Rafale jets, now fully operational at Ambala and Hashimara.
India’s air modernisation plans also include the induction of the indigenously developed Tejas Mk-2, upgrades to the Su-30MKI fleet, and active planning for fifth-generation fighters under the AMCA project.
A Blue-Water Navy with Teeth
India’s maritime power is critical given its long coastline and growing Indo-Pacific presence. The Indian Navy is now a blue-water force with a fleet of 293 warships, including two aircraft carriers—INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant—capable of global deployment.
India operates 18 submarines compared to Pakistan’s eight. Notably, Pakistan has zero destroyers or aircraft carriers. This limits its role to a green-water navy—restricted to regional operations.
The Indian Navy also recently commissioned Predator drones from the US to strengthen surveillance in the Indian Ocean. These MQ-9B drones will be divided among the Navy, Army, and Air Force. Delivery will begin four years from the signing.
The Indian Navy has evolved into a true blue-water force, capable of extended operations beyond regional waters. Its current fleet includes:
- Total warships: 293
- Aircraft carriers: 2 (INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant)
- Submarines: 18
- Destroyers: 13
- Frigates: 13
- Corvettes: 23
India’s naval strategy is anchored in sea control across the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and the Indo-Pacific. The induction of MQ-9Predator drones from the United States will enhance surveillance and intelligence gathering across critical sea lanes.
India is also expanding its underwater capability with nuclear-powered submarines under the Arihant-class programme and conventionally powered subs under Project-75I.
Defence Spending and Modernisation
India’s defence budget for FY 2025-26 stands at ₹6.8 lakh crore ($79 billion)—a 9.5% rise from the previous year. Pakistan’s defence budget has been increased by Rs 159 billion to a total of Rs 2,281 billion.
India is pushing hard on modernisation. Beyond hardware, its focus lies in indigenisation. Defence exports rose by 78% in Q1 FY2024–25, reaching ₹6,915 crore. The goal: ₹50,000 crore in defence exports over five years.
As part of this drive, India opened a domestic manufacturing facility for C-295 transport aircraft in 2024. It also inducted a new fleet of advanced Predator drones, strengthening both surveillance and combat capabilities.
Nuclear and Cyber Capabilities
India also holds a nuclear arsenal of approximately 160 warheads, supported by delivery systems including intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), submarine-launched missiles (SLBMs), and air-launched cruise missiles.
Cyber warfare is another rising front. While India maintains a defensive cyber posture, its intelligence wings—RAW and IB—have expanded capabilities to monitor and counter regional threats.
India’s cyber command is under active expansion, with dedicated teams under the Ministry of Defence and intelligence agencies. While primarily defensive, India has demonstrated offensive cyber capability, as seen in counter-terror ops and cross-border surveillance.
In space, India has developed dedicated military satellites for reconnaissance, communications, and navigation—most notably under the GSAT and RISAT programmes.
India’s defence capabilities have seen rapid advancement over the past year. Whether through air, land, sea, or cyberspace, the Indian Armed Forces are better equipped today than they have been in decades. While diplomatic channels remain open, the Pahalgam attack has once again brought the military equation between India and Pakistan under sharp focus.
While India reels from the aftermath, Pakistan has distanced itself. “Pakistan has no link with the Pagalgam terror attack,” said Defence Minister Khawaja Asif.
Despite the denial, Indian intelligence agencies are investigating tell-tale signs of coordination. Forensic reports and survivor accounts suggest the use of military-grade weapons and advanced communication gear. This has heightened suspicion of support from trained handlers operating across the Line of Control.
Should India be forced to strike back, it now has both the muscle and the mandate.
(With inputs from agencies)
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