Pakistan has solidified its position among the top 10 most powerful militaries in the world, now ranking 9th according to the Fire Power Index. This significant ranking reflects the nation’s extensive military capabilities, despite facing economic challenges. The strong focus of the Pakistani military has been shaped largely by its historical tensions and conflicts with its eastern neighbor, India.

The roots of this rivalry date back to 1947 when Pakistan was established following the partition of India, leading to a long-standing dispute marked by four wars. While Pakistan has historically faced setbacks during these confrontations, it has moved to rapidly modernize and expand its military infrastructure in subsequent decades.

Presently, the Pakistani army boasts an impressive number of personnel, with approximately 654,000 soldiers enlisted. The nation has amassed a considerable inventory of military equipment, including thousands of tanks, armored vehicles, and various aircraft types. Notably, Pakistan has developed a strategic partnership with China, bolstering its military capabilities further.

When it comes to aerial strength, Pakistan operates a total of 1,434 aircraft, including 387 fighter jets. Although it lags behind India, which has 606 fighter aircraft, Pakistan has a diverse fleet that includes 60 transport aircraft and 549 trainer aircraft, in addition to 4 air tankers and 352 helicopters. In a surprising statistic, Pakistan holds an advantage in the number of attack helicopters, possessing 57 compared to India’s 40.

On the ground, the Pakistani army has 3,742 tanks and a total of 50,523 armored vehicles. While this is significantly less than India’s 151,248 armored units, Pakistan demonstrates a competitive edge in specific artillery capabilities, operating 752 self-propelled artillery units compared to India’s 140. However, in traditional drawn artillery, the numbers are closely matched, with Pakistan having 3,238 units against India’s slightly higher count of 3,243. Additionally, Pakistan operates 602 mobile rocket launchers, reflecting its artillery versatility.

Naval capabilities present a different picture where Pakistan falls short compared to India. The Pakistani navy has 114 ships, ranking it 32nd globally, contrasted with India’s 294 naval vessels. Notably, Pakistan lacks aircraft carriers, a stark difference from India’s two, although it has a fleet including 8 submarines, 9 frigate warships, and 69 patrolling vessels for securing its maritime borders.

In terms of missile technology, Pakistan has developed an array of both cruise and ballistic missiles, highlighting a significant aspect of its military strength. The arsenal includes Anti-tank Guided Missiles (ATGM) such as the GIDS Baktar-Shikan and Kornet-E, along with various Battlefield Range and Tactical Ballistic Missiles (BRBMs) like Hatf-I, Hatf-IA, Ghaznavi, and others. The country is equipped with Short Range and Medium Range Ballistic Missiles (SRBMs and MRBMs), demonstrating a comprehensive defense capability designed to respond to evolving threats.

Both India and Pakistan are recognized nuclear powers, with current estimates indicating that India possesses 172 nuclear warheads, while Pakistan has slightly fewer, with 170 warheads reported as of January 2024, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).

In conclusion, Pakistan’s military, while often marked by its historical rivalry with India, has developed into a formidable force by focusing on modernizing its armed forces and expanding its arsenal. As both countries continue to boost their military capabilities, the dynamic in the region remains complex and fraught with tension.

The Defence Ministry has firmly denied allegations that the Army harasses civilians or halts the movement of ambulances on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway. This statement was made in response to inquiries from Srinagar Lok Sabha MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, who raised concerns about frequent interruptions to civilian traffic during the passage of Army or paramilitary convoys on the highway.

Mehdi specifically questioned whether it was true that traffic was halted multiple times at various locations along the highway during military movements. He also inquired if ambulances, which are crucial for emergency services, were being stopped and what measures the government planned to implement to prevent such actions, which he claimed violated human rights and caused unnecessary humiliation.

In its written response to the Lok Sabha, the Defence Ministry explained that regular convoys move between Jammu and Srinagar for various operational and administrative purposes. The Ministry stressed that the Indian Army operates within established protocols to ensure the safety and convenience of civilian traffic. It highlighted the necessity of road-opening parties, which are dispatched prior to the convoys to enhance security and mitigate the chance of attacks or ambushes, a reference to prior incidents.

The Defence Ministry clarified that while traffic may be temporarily regulated at specific junctures, particularly where lateral roads meet National Highway 44 and at U-turns, this regulation is not aimed at harassing civilians. Instead, it emphasized that the responsibility for regulating civilian traffic rests with the Jammu and Kashmir Police and the state authorities, reiterating that the Army does not obstruct civilian movement.

However, the Ministry’s stance has been met with skepticism by Mehdi, who contended that the official response was deceptive. Following the release of the Ministry’s statement, the MP took to social media to express his frustration, labeling the response as “full of blatant lies.” He reiterated his calls for an end to the inconvenience faced by the public, particularly regarding the blocking of ambulances during the movement of security forces on the national highway.

The issue has been particularly sensitive in the region, as residents in south Kashmir have reported increased disruptions to traffic following the Pulwama suicide bombing in 2019, which heightened security concerns and led to more stringent measures being enforced during Army convoy movements. The ongoing dialogue surrounding the balance between security operations and civilian rights continues to be a point of contention in the region.

In a groundbreaking achievement for the Indian Armed Forces, Captain Rheeya Sreedharan has made history by becoming the first second-generation woman officer to earn her aviation wings. This milestone not only highlights her individual capabilities but also marks a significant moment for women in the military, particularly in the field of aviation.

Captain Rheeya proudly received her aviation wings during the graduation ceremony held at the Combat Army Aviation Training School in Nashik, where 50 officers were commissioned. This event underscores the changing dynamics of the armed forces, celebrating diversity and inclusivity in traditionally male-dominated fields.

The significance of Captain Rheeya’s achievement is profound, as she follows in the footsteps of her mother, who also served in the Indian Army. This generational connection adds a layer of inspiration for aspiring female officers, showcasing that their dreams of serving and excelling in the military are attainable.

As the ceremony unfolded, Capt Rheeya’s achievement was celebrated not just as a personal victory but as a beacon of progress for women in the armed services. It serves to encourage more women to pursue careers in aviation and other challenging roles within the military.

The graduation from the Combat Army Aviation Training School is a rigorous and demanding process, equipping officers with the necessary skills and training to operate various aircraft. Captain Rheeya’s success represents a promising future for women in aviation, and her journey is expected to inspire many more female aspirants to break barriers and take on new challenges within the armed forces.

With Captain Rheeya Sreedharan’s accomplishment, the Indian Army is one step closer to achieving greater gender equality and representation in all fields, reaffirming the commitment to empower women to take on roles that contribute to national security and defense. As she embarks on her career in army aviation, her story will undoubtedly resonate with many and pave the way for future generations of women in uniform.

A significant joint military exercise, Harimau Shakti 2024, is set to unfold between India and Malaysia from December 2 to December 15 at Bentong Camp, located near Kuala Lumpur. The Indian Army’s Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADGPI) announced this event, emphasizing its importance in enhancing cooperation between the two nations’ armed forces.

The military exercise this year carries the theme “Two nations, one mission: Ensuring global peace,” which reflects the commitment both nations share towards maintaining stability and security on a global scale. According to the ADGPI, the primary objective of Harimau Shakti is to boost interoperability between the Indian Army and the Malaysian Army specifically for sub-conventional operations conducted under a United Nations mandate.

In 2023, the previous iteration of Harimau Shakti took place in India, specifically at the Umroi Cantonment in Meghalaya. During that exercise, the Malaysian Army was represented by the 5th Royal Battalion, while the Indian contingent included a battalion from the Rajput Regiment. Such military exercises signify not only a robust defense partnership but also serve as a platform to strengthen diplomatic ties between India and Malaysia.

In addition to Harimau Shakti, another crucial military collaboration has recently concluded: the 13th edition of Agni Warrior 2024, a joint exercise between the Indian Army and the Singapore Armed Forces. Held at the Field Firing Ranges in Devlali, Maharashtra, this three-day exercise featured a contingent of 182 Singaporean personnel from the Singapore Artillery and 114 personnel from India’s artillery regiment. Its goals included maximizing mutual understanding of operational drills and facilitating jointness as a multinational force under the auspices of the United Nations Charter.

The event showcased advanced capabilities in joint firepower planning and execution, along with the integration of new-generation equipment, underscoring the shared commitment of both nations to advancing military effectiveness and collaborative defense measures. High-ranking officials attended the exercise, including Lieutenant General Adosh Kumar, Director General of Artillery; Lieutenant General NS Sarna, Commandant of the School of Artillery; and Colonel Ong Chiou Perng, Chief Artillery Officer of the Singapore Armed Forces.

These military exercises, both Harimau Shakti and Agni Warrior, exemplify the growing defense cooperation among India, Malaysia, and Singapore, pivotal in countering shared security challenges and enhancing regional stability.

In a significant operation involving coordinated efforts between the Indian and Sri Lankan Navies, two boats attempting to smuggle a staggering 500kg of crystal meth were intercepted in the Arabian Sea. The operation, which spanned two days and commenced on November 24, resulted in the apprehension of nine individuals onboard the Sri Lankan-flagged vessels.

The operation was initiated after the Indian Navy received intelligence from their counterparts in the Sri Lankan Navy regarding suspicious activities in the Arabian Sea. In response, the Indian Navy deployed advanced surveillance assets, including a long-range maritime patrol aircraft and a remotely piloted drone, to monitor the target vessels. Additionally, two naval ships were mobilized to assist in the operation.

Using data provided by the information fusion center in Gurugram, the aircraft successfully located the vessels involved in the smuggling attempt. A team from one of the Indian naval ships boarded the boats, where they discovered the substantial cache of crystal meth, meticulously concealed among various consumables. Along with the narcotics, the nine crew members of the boats were secured and subsequently handed over to the Sri Lankan Navy for further investigation.

Crystal methamphetamine, known for its distinctive appearance resembling glass chunks or shiny bluish-white rocks, acts as a powerful stimulant, significantly accelerating the central nervous system. The crackdown highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies in the region, including recent operations in Chennai where the Narcotics Control Bureau has successfully thwarted several attempts to smuggle methamphetamine to Sri Lanka.

The Indian Navy emphasized that this operation underscores the strong partnership and cooperative framework between India and Sri Lanka, particularly in maritime security. It further symbolizes their unified commitment to tackling regional maritime challenges and ensuring the safety and security of the Indian Ocean region.

This operation comes on the heels of another significant drug seizure in April, when the Indian Navy confiscated 940kg of various narcotics, including 453kg of methamphetamine, during a collaborative effort with maritime forces in the Arabian Sea. The continuous efforts of both nations reflect an unwavering resolve to combat drug trafficking and enhance maritime security across their respective waters.

Former Indian Navy Commander Purnendu Tiwari remains stranded abroad due to ongoing delays in the issuance of his travel documents, following his release from detention in Qatar earlier this year. Tiwari is the last of eight Indian Navy veterans, who received a collective pardon from Qatari authorities in February, yet he has not been able to return to India. This situation has caused significant distress to Tiwari and his family, who have been tirelessly reaching out for assistance.

In their efforts to expedite the process, Tiwari’s relatives have contacted various officials, including former Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan. Mahajan sent a letter to External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh last week, urging prompt action to resolve the travel document delays. In her correspondence dated 26 November, she recognized the Ministry of External Affairs’ substantial efforts, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, in securing the veterans’ release but highlighted the urgent need to address Tiwari’s situation.

Mahajan pointed out that the other seven veterans have returned to India, exacerbating the hardship faced by Tiwari and his family. She describes the ongoing delays as a source of “undue hardship and distress” and appealed for intervention from both ministers to facilitate Tiwari’s return.

The family of Commander Tiwari has voiced their concern over the prolonged wait. A family member disclosed that multiple petitions have been submitted to government officials, yet a resolution remains elusive. “It is unduly long for the lone Navy veteran, Commander Purnendu Tiwari, to continue suffering while his peers returned to India on 12 February,” the family member remarked. They accused the Ministry of External Affairs of making a significant mistake by leaving Tiwari behind in Doha while repatriating the others.

The family is increasingly anxious, with a sense of urgency growing as they receive no clear timeline for Tiwari’s return. Tiwari’s elderly mother, now 86 years old, has expressed deep concern about the possibility of never seeing her son again. The prolonged separation has been emotionally taxing for the family, prompting calls for the government to take decisive action.

While the family has expressed gratitude for the initial efforts that led to the release of the veterans, they are now pleading for consistent follow-through and assistance. In their appeal, they highlighted the distress caused by vague responses from the Ministry of External Affairs, which has been stating for months that Tiwari will return, but without specifying when. “Please do something, for God’s sake. We are just getting the same response from the MEA for months now, stating he will be back. But when? How long are we supposed to wait like this?” they urged, underscoring the urgent need for resolution in this distressing situation.

A grand Commandant’s Banner presentation ceremony took place recently at the Tejas Parade Ground of the Air Force Academy (AFA) in Dundigal, Hyderabad, celebrating overall excellence among the cadets. This event marked the culmination of a series of fiercely competitive activities that included physical exercises, sports competitions, debates, quizzes, cultural showcases, cross-country runs, field camps, drill competitions, and academic achievements.

The highlight of the ceremony was the prestigious Inter-Squadron Drill competition, in which the Aquino Squadron demonstrated exceptional skill and coordination. Their performance included flawless drill movements, commanding vocals, and synchronized efforts that captivated the audience, comprised of instructional staff and senior officers. The disciplined march of the Flight Cadets and Under Trainee Flying Officers (UTFOs), accompanied by stirring martial music from the Indian Air Force Band, set an inspiring atmosphere for the event.

As the excitement filled the air, the Aquino Squadron was crowned the Champion Squadron for the Autumn Term of 2024. The moment of triumph came when Squadron Cadet Captain, Flight Cadet Phalke Saee Vikram, approached the dais with remarkable precision to receive the prestigious Commandant’s Banner from the esteemed Air Marshal S Shrinivas, Commandant of the AFA. This recognition not only signifies their hard work and dedication but also serves as a testament to the spirit of camaraderie and excellence fostered within the academy.

This ceremonial occasion not only celebrates individual achievements but also reinforces the values of teamwork, discipline, and leadership that are pivotal in shaping the future of the Indian Air Force. The successful culmination of the various competitions and events reflects the intensified commitment of the cadets towards personal and collective excellence in their training.

In a significant move to bolster security in the region, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the White Knight Corps conducted a thorough review of the security situation in Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir. This visit underscores the Army’s commitment to maintaining peace and stability along the Line of Control (LoC) amidst ongoing operational challenges.

During the visit, the GOC evaluated the security frameworks in place, particularly in the forward areas of Rajouri and Sunderbani. The review included assessments of troop deployments, logistical support, and communication systems, all pivotal in ensuring effective operational preparedness. The GOC emphasized the need for vigilance and readiness among the ranks to counter any potential threats from across the border.

The backdrop of this visit is highlighted by the strategic significance of the Pir Panchal range, which poses unique challenges due to its geography and the potential for cross-border infiltration. The GOC’s engagement with troops on the ground also aimed to boost morale and reinforce the importance of situational awareness in these high-stakes environments.

Local reports indicated that the GOC reassured the personnel of continuous support from the higher command, emphasizing the necessity for unity and coordination among all security forces operating in the region. This message is particularly relevant given the complex security landscape in Jammu and Kashmir, where collaboration among various agencies is crucial for maintaining stability.

As security forces across the region adapt to evolving threats, the GOC’s visit serves as a reminder of the ongoing need to remain alert and proactive in safeguarding national interests. The military’s efforts, combined with the support of local communities, are seen as integral to ensuring a comprehensive security strategy in Jammu and Kashmir.

In a significant development for the youth of the Kashmir Valley, the Indian Army has successfully conducted a Territorial Army (TA) recruitment drive across the region. This initiative, spanning from November 8 to November 27, took place in key areas including Kupwara, Baramulla, and the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry (JAK LI) Regimental Centre, and witnessed unprecedented participation from aspiring candidates.

This event marked a notable milestone as it was the first large-scale TA recruitment rally to be held since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Army reported a high level of enthusiasm among the local youth, who expressed a strong desire to serve their nation and contribute towards peace and development in Kashmir, countering the harmful narratives propagated by terrorist groups.

Among the remarkable aspects highlighted by the Army was the spirit of community engagement and support, which was evident during the rally. Relatives of aspirants actively participated, showcasing acts of humanity and brotherhood that added to the overall spirit of the event. Many family members were seen encouraging their loved ones, running alongside them during the various tests and activities conducted at the rally ground.

According to a senior army official, the recruitment drive was characterized by record attendance, a fair selection process, and a strong focus on the safety of all participants. The official expressed pride in the exceptional talent displayed by the candidates and emphasized that the event served as a powerful example of the youth’s commitment to nation-building. Candidates who successfully passed the physical tests will proceed to additional evaluations, including medical examinations, written tests, and aptitude assessments, after which the final merit list will be compiled.

The compelling turnout at the rally has been interpreted as a reflection of a significant shift in ideology among the youth towards contributing positively to the nation. The collective efforts of the Armed Forces, local civil administration, and supportive organizations were crucial in making this recruitment drive a resounding success.

By providing employment opportunities to deserving individuals, the event not only fostered a sense of belonging among the youth but also inspired them to pursue a career in the Army, which is viewed as a noble profession aimed at ensuring peace, stability, and development in the Kashmir Valley.

PUNE: Ankit Chaudhary, the President’s gold medalist of the 147th course at the National Defence Academy (NDA), has expressed a deep sense of duty and commitment to serve in the Army, rooted in the care his family received during his father’s battle with liver cancer. Ankit’s father, Sultansing, served in the 11 Rajputana Rifles infantry battalion for 17 years before his passing three years ago, benefiting from the comprehensive medical services provided by the Ex-servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS).

Ankit faced a pivotal decision when the JEE Advanced examination clashed with the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview for NDA. Although he had successfully cleared the JEE Main entrance exam, the scheduling conflict forced him to reflect deeply on his aspirations. “I prepared only for the JEE entrance exam and decided to take the NDA entrance with my friends. It was a career-defining moment for me. I listened to my inner feelings and sacrificed my IIT dream,” he stated. Ultimately, the support that the Army provided his family made his choice clear; he felt an obligation to join the organization that had cared for them in their time of need.

Ankit recounted the profound impact of his father’s experience with the Army’s healthcare system. “I saw how well the Army took care of him. Today, I believe I made my father proud. He would have been happy with my decision,” he reflected. His mother, Sarojdevi, who works as a teacher in the Rajasthan government, stood alongside him, visibly emotional as she recounted the challenges of raising her children alone following her husband’s death. “My sole aim was to educate my children well. While Ankit joined NDA, my younger son Aanshu will join AIIMS to pursue a medical degree. Both sons have made me proud,” she shared with tears in her eyes.

Ankit’s roots trace back to Barsinghpura village in Rajasthan’s Sikar district, located about 115 km from Jaipur. He completed his schooling at St Mary’s Senior Secondary School in Sikar and earned the prestigious opportunity to command the parade for his course at NDA. “Out of 11 cadets considered, I was selected this morning. It was a significant honour, and I will cherish it throughout my life,” Ankit expressed, highlighting the pride and honor associated with his achievements as he embarks on this promising journey of service in the Indian Army.