Lately, things have heated up between India and Pakistan, with both sides now using drones in their military moves. This trend has caught international eyes because it could change the way security plays out in the region and around the world. Drones are switching up traditional tactics, so it’s worth keeping an eye on what these maneuvers really mean (and how advanced they’ve become).
Drone clashes and military moves
Pakistan recently claimed it shot down 25 Indian drones over its cities—a pretty big deal given the ongoing strife. This happened right after Indian airstrikes hit targets in Pakistan and Pakistani-administered parts of Kashmir. India, for its part, said it managed to take down several drones and missiles launched by Pakistan. These back-and-forths show just how much both sides are turning to unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in modern fighting, sparking worries about what might come next.
Both countries are shelling out big bucks to grow their drone arsenals, mixing imports with local tech upgrades. India’s eyeing around 5,000 drones over the next two to four years, while Pakistan isn’t sitting still either. Notably, India inked a deal with the U.S. Department of State in 2024 to get 31 MQ-9B SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian HALE drones, adding a serious boost to its skies.
Tech upgrades and defense muscle
Pakistan’s drone lineup isn’t just for show—it’s used for surveillance, reconnaissance, and precision strikes. Their Buraq drone, for example, has been in action since 2015 and is mainly used in counterterrorism operations (think on-the-ground support). Plus, Pakistan buys high-tech drones from Turkey and China to keep up its tech game.
India’s not far behind either. Its missile arsenal covers a wide range—from Prithvi missiles with ranges of 155-373 miles to Agni series missiles spanning 746-4,971 miles. Adding in the Nirbhaya and Brahmos cruise missiles, India is well-prepared to ward off threats from neighbors like China.
Looking at defense spending, SIPRI estimates for 2024 show India planning to pump in nine times as much money on defense compared to Pakistan. This hefty budget backs a military force of over 1.4 million active personnel, which Global Firepower Index (GFI) ranks as the fourth strongest army in the world. In contrast, Pakistan has an active military count of 654,000.
Air force edge and naval strength
The Indian Air Force is packing a fleet of 2,229 aircraft, including 513 fighters and 130 bombers—massively outnumbering Pakistan’s fleet by roughly 830 aircraft according to GFI data. India’s size advantage shows in its navy too, with a robust force of 293 ships, more than double what Pakistan sports.
Missile programs play a big role for both camps in keeping their defenses tight. Pakistan leans heavily on cruise missiles, tactical battlefield ballistic missiles, and short to medium-range ballistic missiles. Meanwhile, India branches out with long-range missile options that help keep neighbors like China on notice.
Nuclear arsenals and global worries
India and Pakistan both hold nuclear weapons with comparable numbers. SIPRI figures suggest India has about 172 nuclear warheads, while Pakistan is estimated to have around 170 (with the exact count of operational warheads still under wraps). Even though they’re neck and neck here, China’s growing stockpile—up by 22% from 410 to 500 warheads—complicates things further in the region.
As these moves unfold, international voices are urging both sides to keep their cool. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, a military spokesperson for Pakistan, called India’s actions “a new blatant act of military aggression” (a warning that things are indeed getting dicey).
With tension simmering between these nuclear-armed neighbors, watching how their military tech evolves is important for regional players and anyone around the globe keeping an eye on peace and stability.
