India and Pakistan are once again embroiled in a bitter conflict, as the neighbouring countries fight over military practices in the region. The latest escalation comes from India, as Narendra Modi has ordered airstrikes on the border, hoping to target perpetrators of a terror attack on Indian soil last week. A number of airstrikes directed at the town of Balakot were undertaken in hopes to hit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), which carried out a suicide attack resulting in the deaths of more than 40 Indian troops on February 14. India formerly accused Pakistan of allowing JeM free movement in the country and Pakistan has categorically denied this but vows to respond to India’s actions.
How big is India’s army?
India has one of the largest populations of any country in the world, with an estimated 1.3 billion people as of 2018.
As such, it has huge potential to add a lot of manpower to the ranks of its army.
GlobalFirepower.com has ranked each world power based on potential warring capability and estimates what is available to India.
The site estimates India’s total defence budget is £35 billion ($47 billion).
Indian military manpower
GlobalFirepower estimates the following figures for Indian Army personnel:
– 616 million available personnel
– 489,600,000 fit for service
– Total serving personnel of 4,207,250
– 1,362,500 active personnel
– 2,844,650 reserve personnel
Indian Army aircraft strength
India’s aircraft strength is estimated at the following values:
– 2,185 total aircraft
– 804 attack craft (capable of attacking ground or surface targets)
– 708 transport aircraft
– 720 helicopters
– 15 attack helicopters
Indian Navy strength
India’s navy strength is estimated to consist of:
– 295 possible naval assets, including auxiliary vessels
– One aircraft carrier
– 14 frigates (fast and manoeuvrable warship)
– 11 destroyers (fast, escort ships)
– 22 corvettes (small warship)
– 16 submarines
– 139 patrol vessels