Pahalgam terror attack: A comparison of Indian and Pakistan’s naval warfare might

Post-Pahalgam attack, focus shifts to India's and Pakistan's naval might. India's fleet at 130 ships aims for 200 by 2035, while Pakistan plans over 50 ships, relying on China and Turkey.

Navy ships

Navy ships

time

In the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 innocent lives, attention has turned to the maritime capabilities of India and Pakistan. 

As both nations seek to bolster their naval forces amidst regional security challenges, a comparative analysis of their naval strengths provides insight into their strategic postures and future trajectories.

Fleet Size and Expansion Plans

India:

Current Fleet: Approximately 130 operational ships.

Expansion Goals: Plans to increase to over 200 ships by 2035, aiming for 90% indigenization.
Construction Projects: 67 ships and submarines under construction, with approval for an additional 45 vessels. 

Pakistan:

Current Fleet: Around 50 vessels.
Expansion Goals: Plans to add over 50 vessels, including 20 major ships, to its fleet.
Collaborations: Induction of four Chinese frigates and four Turkish medium-class ships between 2023 and 2025.

Submarine Capabilities

India:

Current Submarines: 16 submarines, including nuclear-powered and diesel-electric variants.
Future Plans: Approval for the construction of two new nuclear-powered attack submarines, with a total of six planned. 

Pakistan:

Current Submarines: Operates Hangor-class submarines, with the second of eight contracted submarines recently completed by China.
Future Plans: Eight submarines are being built in collaboration with China, four in Pakistan and four in China. 

Aircraft and Carrier Capabilities

India:

Aircraft Carriers: Operates two aircraft carriers: INS Vikramaditya and the indigenously built INS Vikrant.
Naval Aviation: Plans to acquire 26 Rafale-M fighter jets from France, with deployment on INS Vikrant. 

Pakistan:

Aircraft Carriers: Does not operate any aircraft carriers.
Naval Aviation: Operates a fleet of helicopters and maritime patrol aircraft, including Harbin Z-9, Alouette III, and Westland Sea King helicopters. 

Strategic Partnerships and Collaborations

India:

International Collaborations: Engages in joint exercises and defense collaborations with countries like the USA, France, and Japan.
Indigenous Development: Focus on self-reliance with initiatives like "Aatma Nirbhar Bharat" to boost domestic defense production.
Defence News India

Pakistan:

China: Major defense partner, supplying over 81% of Pakistan's weapons imports over the past five years.
Turkey: Collaborating on the construction of medium-class ships for the Pakistan Navy.

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