Is Pakistan's Artillery Deficit Leading to Its Downfall?

New Delhi, May 4 (NationPress) As tensions between India and Pakistan escalate following the tragic Pahalgam incident on April 22, concerns regarding a potential all-out war in the subcontinent are mounting. In response, Pakistan appears to be experiencing panic and resorting to empty threats, exaggerated claims about its nuclear arsenal, and baseless bluster.

Several top ministers in Pakistan have expressed apprehensions about an 'imminent' military confrontation with India and are reportedly seeking assistance from the United States to de-escalate the current stand-off.

The root of this anxiety in Islamabad stems from a critical shortage of military artillery and ammunition, compounded by a struggling economy unable to support a full-scale military engagement lasting more than 90 hours.

Recent reports indicate that Pakistan's artillery reserves have been severely drained due to arms transactions with Ukraine, leaving its military ill-prepared for prolonged conflict.

The Pakistan Ordnance Factories (POF), responsible for supplying military munitions, is grappling with overwhelming demand and outdated production capabilities.

While some political and military leaders in Pakistan have vowed to retaliate against any Indian 'misadventure', such claims are far from practical reality.

Reports reveal that Pakistan's ammunition stockpile has dwindled to a level where it cannot sustain more than 96 hours of intense warfare against India, significantly compromising its military readiness.

The sale of 155 MM artillery shells to Ukraine has left its gun systems, including self-propelled and MGS artillery, without sufficient ammunition, further crippling its military capabilities.

This ammunition crisis has placed Pakistan’s military strategy in a precarious position. Without adequate supplies, the Pakistan Army's ability to counter an Indian offensive is severely jeopardized.

In terms of military strength, arsenal, and defense spending, Pakistan falls short compared to India, highlighting why it may face devastating consequences in the event of military confrontation.

So, how do the military capabilities of India and Pakistan compare?

As per Global Firepower, India boasts a military personnel strength of 51,37,550 (51 lakh), with 14 lakh active personnel, while Pakistan has approximately 17,04,000 (17 lakh) military personnel, of which 6.5 lakh are active. Military Watch Magazine reports that India has 4,241,500 combat personnel, while Pakistan has 964,000.

India's air power includes 2,229 aircraft, with 513 being fighter jets and 130 attack aircraft. In contrast, the Pakistan Air Force operates 1,399 aircraft, including 328 fighters and 90 attack planes.

According to Global Firepower, India's naval assets comprise two aircraft carriers, 13 destroyers, 14 frigates, 18 corvettes, 135 patrol vessels, and 18 submarines, while Pakistan's navy has a total of 121 assets, including nine frigates, 69 patrol vessels, nine corvettes, eight submarines, and three mine warfare vessels.

Additionally, India has diversified its defense procurement from the US and Europe, reducing reliance on Russia to modernize its military capabilities, while Pakistan predominantly sources its arms from China.

India's Rise and Pakistan's Decline

In 2000, India's GDP was $468 billion, accounting for 1.37% of global GDP. In contrast, Pakistan's GDP was $99 billion, contributing a mere 0.29% to global GDP. Over the past decade, India's share has grown from 2.55% to 3.54%, while Pakistan's contribution has remained stagnant at 0.34%.

Amid an ongoing economic crisis, Pakistan faces soaring prices of basic necessities, leading to public unrest becoming commonplace.

The nation’s escalating debt, inflation, and dwindling foreign reserves have adversely impacted its military's operational capacity, forcing the Pakistani Army to suspend military exercises to cut costs.

Such dire circumstances reflect Pakistan’s internal struggles and challenges. Despite its lofty claims about its nuclear capabilities and economic status, the nation lacks the substantial ground to back these assertions. In any military conflict, it is poised to falter sooner rather than later and ultimately face defeat.