Naval Power of Pakistan and India: A Comparative Analysis

The echoes of American sanctions still resonate in the air, and now Pakistan Navy’s growing capabilities are causing sleepless nights for adversaries. As we all know, Pakistan and India are two neighbouring countries in South Asia that have fought three full-scale wars in the past. In addition, there have been numerous occasions when they narrowly avoided a fourth.

For the past 77 years, the persistent tension has compelled both nations to keep a close eye on each other’s military strength. Pakistan, while reserving its right to defence, continues its preparations accordingly. Recently, Indian Navy Chief Admiral R. Hari Kumar stated during an event that India is fully aware of the “remarkable progress” made by the Pakistan Navy, which aims to expand its current fleet to 50 warships in the coming years.

At present, China is assisting the Pakistan Navy in building ships and submarines. “We are fully aware of their (Pakistan’s) increasing capabilities. Hence, we are adjusting our strategies and operational plans to neutralise any potential negative impact on our interests. We are fully prepared to face any challenge.” Expressing concern over the Pakistan Navy’s growing strength and its collaboration with China, India has attempted to mislead global powers.

It should be noted that China’s naval power has rapidly increased in recent years, and it is now said to possess more ships than the United States. China has also deployed several research and reconnaissance vessels in the Indian Ocean on a permanent basis. The Indian Navy Chief’s remarks come at a time when both India and Pakistan have been focusing on expanding their navies for several years. According to defence experts, in the context of the evolving global security landscape, naval strategies have gained increasing significance.

The Indian Navy currently operates 150 ships of varying sizes, including two aircraft carriers. Additionally, India possesses 16 conventional submarines and two nuclear-powered ones. The Indian Navy also has 275 aircraft, helicopters, and drones, with another 50 ships and submarines under various stages of construction. Recently, India built its indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, while the government has approved another aircraft carrier, which will take several years to construct. Currently, India operates the Russian-made aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya alongside its own INS Vikrant.

In recent years, India has developed two nuclear submarines domestically with Russian assistance, with two more expected to become operational in the coming years. Over the past 30-40 years, the Indian Navy has quietly focused on its expansion. It was the first navy in the region to induct an aircraft carrier into its fleet. In 1964, the Indian Navy purchased an old British aircraft carrier, HMS Hercules, which was renamed INS Vikrant. However, many of India’s submarines have become outdated. Of its 16 conventional submarines, half are no longer combat-ready, leading the navy to focus on acquiring nuclear-powered submarines.

Navies are generally classified into three categories: a “brown-water” navy operates in inland waterways and rivers; a “green-water” navy patrols coastal areas, typically within a radius of 12 to 16 nautical miles, primarily to safeguard its coastline and territorial waters; and a “blue-water” navy can patrol thousands of miles beyond its territorial waters and assert its presence. Currently, the Indian Navy qualifies as a blue-water navy, and it is widely known that India’s naval capabilities surpass Pakistan’s. Nevertheless, India seems driven by a militaristic ambition to become a regional superpower.

According to Pakistani military sources, the Pakistan Navy has 45 ships of various types, including six oil tankers. The fleet includes five submarines, while eight additional submarines and several warships are under construction. The Pakistan Navy also operates three fixed-wing aircraft, three rotary-wing aircraft, and a squadron of drones. It should be noted that a squadron typically consists of multiple aircraft, but exact figures regarding the fleet size remain undisclosed.

Pakistan has a coastline exceeding 1,000 kilometres in length. However, defence analysts from both countries agree that comparing their naval forces based solely on their inventory of warships and submarines is not entirely appropriate, as the objectives of each navy differ. The mission of the Pakistan Navy is fundamentally defensive, focused on safeguarding its maritime borders. Since over 90% of Pakistan’s trade occurs via sea routes, the Navy’s primary responsibility is to ensure the protection of these routes during both peace and war. The resources required for this are acquired as needed.

Defence experts from Pakistan believe that the Pakistan Navy has made remarkable progress in recent years and that the leadership is well aware of India’s interest in its development.

The echoes of American sanctions still resonate in the air, and now Pakistan Navy’s growing capabilities are causing sleepless nights for adversaries. As we all know, Pakistan and India are two neighbouring countries in South Asia that have fought three full-scale wars in the past. In addition, there have been numerous occasions when they narrowly avoided a fourth.

For the past 77 years, the persistent tension has compelled both nations to keep a close eye on each other’s military strength. Pakistan, while reserving its right to defence, continues its preparations accordingly. Recently, Indian Navy Chief Admiral R. Hari Kumar stated during an event that India is fully aware of the “remarkable progress” made by the Pakistan Navy, which aims to expand its current fleet to 50 warships in the coming years.

At present, China is assisting the Pakistan Navy in building ships and submarines. “We are fully aware of their (Pakistan’s) increasing capabilities. Hence, we are adjusting our strategies and operational plans to neutralise any potential negative impact on our interests. We are fully prepared to face any challenge.” Expressing concern over the Pakistan Navy’s growing strength and its collaboration with China, India has attempted to mislead global powers.

It should be noted that China’s naval power has rapidly increased in recent years, and it is now said to possess more ships than the United States. China has also deployed several research and reconnaissance vessels in the Indian Ocean on a permanent basis. The Indian Navy Chief’s remarks come at a time when both India and Pakistan have been focusing on expanding their navies for several years. According to defence experts, in the context of the evolving global security landscape, naval strategies have gained increasing significance.

The Indian Navy currently operates 150 ships of varying sizes, including two aircraft carriers. Additionally, India possesses 16 conventional submarines and two nuclear-powered ones. The Indian Navy also has 275 aircraft, helicopters, and drones, with another 50 ships and submarines under various stages of construction. Recently, India built its indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, while the government has approved another aircraft carrier, which will take several years to construct. Currently, India operates the Russian-made aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya alongside its own INS Vikrant.

In recent years, India has developed two nuclear submarines domestically with Russian assistance, with two more expected to become operational in the coming years. Over the past 30-40 years, the Indian Navy has quietly focused on its expansion. It was the first navy in the region to induct an aircraft carrier into its fleet. In 1964, the Indian Navy purchased an old British aircraft carrier, HMS Hercules, which was renamed INS Vikrant. However, many of India’s submarines have become outdated. Of its 16 conventional submarines, half are no longer combat-ready, leading the navy to focus on acquiring nuclear-powered submarines.

Navies are generally classified into three categories: a “brown-water” navy operates in inland waterways and rivers; a “green-water” navy patrols coastal areas, typically within a radius of 12 to 16 nautical miles, primarily to safeguard its coastline and territorial waters; and a “blue-water” navy can patrol thousands of miles beyond its territorial waters and assert its presence. Currently, the Indian Navy qualifies as a blue-water navy, and it is widely known that India’s naval capabilities surpass Pakistan’s. Nevertheless, India seems driven by a militaristic ambition to become a regional superpower.

According to Pakistani military sources, the Pakistan Navy has 45 ships of various types, including six oil tankers. The fleet includes five submarines, while eight additional submarines and several warships are under construction. The Pakistan Navy also operates three fixed-wing aircraft, three rotary-wing aircraft, and a squadron of drones. It should be noted that a squadron typically consists of multiple aircraft, but exact figures regarding the fleet size remain undisclosed.

Pakistan has a coastline exceeding 1,000 kilometres in length. However, defence analysts from both countries agree that comparing their naval forces based solely on their inventory of warships and submarines is not entirely appropriate, as the objectives of each navy differ. The mission of the Pakistan Navy is fundamentally defensive, focused on safeguarding its maritime borders. Since over 90% of Pakistan’s trade occurs via sea routes, the Navy’s primary responsibility is to ensure the protection of these routes during both peace and war. The resources required for this are acquired as needed.

Defence experts from Pakistan believe that the Pakistan Navy has made remarkable progress in recent years and that the leadership is well aware of India’s interest in its development.

The Evolving Strength of the Pakistan Navy

The Pakistan Navy conducts biennial exercises to prepare for complex operations in case of war. In February this year, similar exercises took place along the coastal areas of Sindh and Balochistan, named Sea Spark 2024. During these exercises, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) stated that “while conducting operations at sea, Pakistan Navy’s warships and aircraft detected the presence of Indian Navy ships, submarines, and aircraft attempting to secretly observe Pakistan Navy’s war drills.”

In recent years, the Pakistan Navy has added numerous new ships to its fleet, with several more ships and submarines currently under construction. Last year, the Pakistan Navy inducted the Turkish-built warship PNS Babar and the Romanian-built PNS Hanan into its fleet. Additionally, an agreement between Pakistan and China to construct four naval warships, signed in 2018, was completed last year when China delivered two Type 054A warships to Pakistan. Previously, China had handed over two similar warships.

Reports suggest that Pakistan has also placed an order with China for eight Hangor-class submarines, expected to be delivered by 2028. Retired Vice Admiral Ahmed Tasneem, a former commander of the Pakistan Navy who led the PNS Hangor in 1971 to destroy the Indian warship INS Khukri, believes that the Pakistan Navy has advanced rapidly over the past 15 years. He attributes this progress to effective leadership within the navy.

Pakistan’s decision-makers came to realise the importance of maritime strength relatively late. “When the government stopped ignoring this sector,” the pace of development in the Pakistan Navy accelerated. “We quietly secured funding, acquired new platforms, purchased advanced weapons and sensors, and successfully implemented a policy of technology transfer with other nations,” Admiral Tasneem noted.

Recently, Turkish and Romanian-built ships have been added to the Pakistan Navy, and in the near future, its fleet is expected to reach 50 warships. Pakistan and China are currently co-producing four submarines, with half being constructed in China and the other half at Karachi Shipyard. The Pakistan Navy is also working on building additional warships, with components being produced both locally and internationally.

On the other hand, India claims that “Pakistan has increased its capacity to build ships, missiles, and submarines through China’s assistance. Most notably, China has provided Pakistan with two Area Denial missiles, which have a range of 200 to 400 kilometres and can easily target aircraft carriers.” According to Indian experts, “China is deeply interested in enhancing Pakistan’s naval capabilities because the Chinese Navy operates extensively in the Indian Ocean. If Pakistan secures the Arabian Sea, it reduces the burden on China in this region.”

Pakistan’s conventional submarines reportedly have capabilities not possessed by India, further fuelling Indian concerns. Experts within the Pakistan Navy argue that the ongoing rivalry between the United States and China in the region also impacts the strategic environment, often benefiting India. To counter China’s growing influence, the United States has developed the Indo-Pacific Strategy, which it describes as a multinational policy but primarily involves alliances with like-minded nations. In this context, the US has established the QUAD alliance, comprising the US, India, Japan, and Australia, focusing on economic, military, and technological cooperation. This collaboration benefits India, which poses challenges for Pakistan.

Defence analysts suggest that Pakistan has adopted a sea denial strategy instead of sea control, primarily due to budgetary constraints. A sea denial strategy relies heavily on submarines, which can attack targets while remaining submerged. Pakistan’s mini-submarines can dive up to 100 metres and operate near maritime borders. If an enemy vessel approaches Pakistan’s waters, its chances of retreat are significantly reduced.

Experts acknowledge that the Pakistan Navy is now a formidable force. Some speculate that, with Chinese assistance, Pakistan may even be developing underwater drones for future naval deployment. Indian concerns over the Pakistan Navy stem from its strategic significance, as a large proportion of India’s oil imports and trade with Europe pass through the Gulf of Oman and the Red Sea. With China’s naval base in Djibouti and Pakistan’s active presence in Karachi, Gwadar, and the Makran coast, the combined strength of Pakistan and China in the region has grown substantially.

India’s Overextended Maritime Aspirations

India has assumed maritime responsibilities far beyond its existing capabilities. In contrast, Pakistan’s maritime zones are relatively smaller, meaning Pakistan’s responsibilities are also limited to overseeing the Arabian Sea, where any potential conflict would also take place. On the other hand, India, under the aegis of the United States, projects an impression of having extended its naval reach from the Indian Ocean to the South China Sea and the Pacific Ocean. However, India’s military or naval forces lack the capability to protect interests at such distant locations effectively.

While India has theoretically expanded its reach akin to global powers, its practical ability to safeguard its interests over such distances remains insufficient. Over the past two decades, the Indian Navy has invested heavily in itself, aspiring to act as the region’s “policeman.” At present, however, India does not possess the capabilities required to justify its self-proclaimed label of a “net security provider.” This status demands oversight of regional developments and adequate resources and capabilities to address them, which India currently lacks. However, achieving this goal remains India’s long-term ambition.

A Regional Comparison

Indian defence experts acknowledge significant disparities between the military strengths of India, China, and Pakistan. The gap between Indian and Chinese capabilities is vast. Regarding India and Pakistan, China’s assistance has significantly bolstered Pakistan’s Navy and Air Force in recent years.

Pakistan’s three armed forces, including the Navy, are primarily focused on defending the country’s territory. While they possess offensive capabilities, Pakistan harbours no aggressive ambitions or intentions of territorial expansion. Instead, it remains committed to safeguarding every inch of its land with a strong and resilient defence posture.

Pakistan Navy’s Growing Strength

On 25 November 2022, at the invitation of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, a high-level delegation participated in the inauguration of PNS Khyber, the third of four MILGEM corvette warships for the Pakistan Navy, at the Istanbul Shipyard. The MILGEM project is Turkey’s national naval shipbuilding programme, managed by the Turkish Navy. These warships are designed for military surveillance, intelligence missions, early warnings, anti-submarine warfare, and other operations.

The contract for constructing the MILGEM warships for Pakistan’s Navy was awarded to a Turkish firm in 2018. The first warship, PNS Babur, was inaugurated in Istanbul in August 2021, while the second, PNS Badr, was launched in Karachi in May 2022. These technologically advanced warships represent the most modern additions to the Pakistan Navy fleet, equipped with cutting-edge weaponry. They are instrumental in enhancing Pakistan’s maritime security capabilities, particularly along the Sindh and Baluchistan coasts.

This project symbolises the historical friendship and fraternal ties between two Muslim nations, Pakistan and Turkey. The relationship between the two countries is rooted in a shared Islamic heritage, traditions, and camaraderie.

Strengthening Pakistan-Turkey Ties

Pakistan and Turkey have long supported each other in natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods. Historically, the two nations have stood together on issues like Kashmir and Cyprus. However, their economic cooperation remains relatively limited.

The deepening defence collaboration between Pakistan and Turkey is causing unease in India. A 2021 report from the Economic Times highlighted that Turkey’s decision to work with Pakistan in Afghanistan sparked speculation that India could face increased challenges in the Mediterranean and South Asia. Turkey has emphasised its focus on economic development in war-torn Afghanistan, and both nations are jointly extending a railway line through Iran.

Defence Collaboration

Turkey and Pakistan’s strategic alliance is evident in their defence agreements. For instance, Pakistan is acquiring four MILGEM warships from Turkey’s state defence contractor ASFAT. Additionally, Pakistan has ordered 30 T-129 ATAK helicopters from Turkey, with defence procurement between the two nations exceeding $3 billion.

Pakistan also supported Turkey’s gas exploration efforts in the Eastern Mediterranean and has received Turkey’s unequivocal backing on the Kashmir issue. In February 2020, President Erdoğan stated that the Kashmir issue holds as much importance for Pakistan as it does for Turkey. Pakistan, in turn, supported Turkey during the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict.

Geopolitical Implications

The strengthening Pakistan-Turkey alliance, alongside Pakistan-China relations, poses challenges for India. The increasing dominance of the Pakistan Navy in strategic maritime routes could undermine the Quad alliance’s objectives. Pakistan’s enhanced naval capabilities, including its presence in the Karachi, Gwadar, and Makran maritime regions, threaten to disrupt India’s oil supplies from the Persian Gulf and trade with Europe via the Red Sea.

With growing regional influence and a strengthened navy, Pakistan has become a formidable maritime power, better equipped to safeguard its national interests and play a pivotal role in regional security.