NEW DELHI (Reuters) – An attack targeting Hindu tourists in Indian Kashmir that killed 26 men has triggered new tensions between India and Pakistan and sparked fears of a conflict, with Pakistan saying it has intelligence suggesting India intends to launch military action.
Here is a look at the defence forces and arsenals of the nuclear-armed South Asian neighbours, according to data from the London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies.
PERSONNEL
India has 1.4 million active personnel in its defence forces – 1,237,000 in the army, 75,500 in the navy, 149,900 in the air force, and 13,350 in the coast guard.
Pakistan’s strength is thinner, with under 700,000 personnel, of whom 560,000 are in the army, 70,000 in the air force, and 30,000 in the navy.
GROUND FORCE
India’s arsenal includes 9,743 pieces of artillery against Pakistan’s 4,619 pieces, and 3,740 main battle tanks compared to Pakistan’s 2,537.
AIR FORCE
While India has 730 combat-capable aircraft, Pakistan’s fleet is much smaller at 452 aircraft.
NAVY
India’s navy has 16 submarines, 11 destroyers, 16 frigates, and two aircraft carriers, while Pakistan’s navy has eight submarines and 10 frigates.
NUCLEAR ARSENAL
India has 172 warheads and Pakistan boasts of almost an equal number, with 170.
(Compiled by Sakshi Dayal; Editing by YP Rajesh and Sharon Singleton)
