Will Pakistan's missiles be enough to face India in a War?

Is Pakistan preparing for war against India? Well, the Indian defense forces are no less prepared either! In defence terms, India is ranked 4 out of 126 countries, whereas Pakistan stands in 15th position. During the month of January, Pakistan had test fired Ababeel missile and Babur 3 submarine cruise missile. What does this indicate? Some sources say the news on Babur 3 is fake! Let me take you through how the Pakistan defense forces have been preparing for war in the coming future!

On 24th January 2017, Pakistan conducted its first ever test of Ababeel missile which has a maximum range of 2,200 Km. Developed in reference to India’s Prithvi and Ashwin missile, the surface of surface medium ranged ballistic missile can carry both conventional and nuclear warheads. However, the claim made by Pakistan regarding the short range missile of 2200 km has raised doubts within Indian science community. The use of such technology is primarily used in long-range missiles and its use in a short-range missile is difficult. India is working on developing such capability missiles. Nonetheless, India’s defense battery is ready to meet any challenge from Ababeel. The two layered missile defense system of India can kill the opponent's missile before it enters the atmosphere and the latter is designed to kill any combative missile in the atmosphere. India is working towards building better and efficient missiles and equipment in the coming future.

India’s Prithvi Air Defense missile system is capable of protecting the country from ballistic missile attacks. The double tiered missile system consists of Prithvi Air Defense missile and Ashwin Ballistic missile. The two interceptor missiles are for higher and lower altitude interception which are capable of intercepting any incoming missile launched 5000 km away.

On 9th January Pakistan test fired its first ever Babur 3 submarine cruise missile (SLCM) in the Indian ocean. An enhanced version and a part of Babur system version 2, the missile can target at 700 km with various kinds of warheads. Following this, the Indian Defense Research Organisation (DRDO) will be launching a K-4 nuclear capable ballistic missile at the end of the month. According to sources, the missile has a range up to 3,500 km. The 12 meters long missile weighs 17 tons, efficient of carrying a nuclear-capable warhead up to 2 tons and uses a Ring Laser Gyro Inertial navigation system.

Pakistan has been secretly producing tons of weapons which were revealed by America’s congressional research service. A 28 pages report stated “According to public estimates Pakistan has about 110 to 130 nuclear weapons although it could have more. According to one unofficial estimate, Pakistan has produced approximately 3000 kilograms of weapons-grade HEU (Highly Enriched Uranium) and approximately 200 kilograms of plutonium for nuclear weapons.”

Which country do you think is doing better? Here is a comparison of Armed Forces of India and Pakistan on the basis of manpower and resources available.

Country | India | Pakistan

Total Population | 1,251,695,584 | 199,085,847

Available Manpower | 616,000,000 | 95,000,000

Fit For Service | 489,600,000 | 75,325,000

Reaching military age annually | 22,900,000 | 4345000

Active frontline personnel | 1,325,000 | 6,20,000

Active reserve personnel | 2,143,000 | 515,000

Land system (Tanks) | 66,464 | 2924

Towed artillery | 7414 | 3278

Multiple launch rocket system | 292 | 134

Self propelled guns | 290 | 365

Major missiles | Agni 5 -range 5500 Km, Brahmos - range 290 Km | Shaheen III (2750 Km)

Armoured Fighting vehicles | 6,704 | 2828

Total Aircraft | 2086 | 923

Fighters/Interceptors | 679 | 304

Attack Aircraft | 809 | 394

Helicopters | 646 | 306

Attack helicopters | 19 | 52

Aircraft Carriers (Navy) | 2 | 0

Destroyers | 10 | 0

Frigates | 14 | 10

Corvettes | 22 | 0

Mine Warfare Ships | 6 | 3

Submarines | 14 | 5

Coastal Defence Craft | 135 | 12

Nuclear Warheads | 120 | 130

From the data, it is evident that Pakistan is a little ahead of India in terms of nuclear warheads. But does that portray a threat to our nation? Even if it does, our Army, Navy and Air Force are ready!