China and India have established their indigenous defence industries.
New Delhi: India and China are neighbours but there has hardly been a “friendly” relation between the two Asian giants. The economies of two countries are not exactly equal. The same is the industry and local manufacturing scene.
If we look at the latest comparison between the military strength of India and China, then it does show that if it is not a close matter, then it is not a distant one either.
China and India have established their indigenous defence industries and both countries have made tremendous progress in this sector.
Still, there are a few holes to be plugged hence let’s take a close look at various parameters to get the most authentic facts and figures as possible.
Of the world’s 145 most powerful countries studied, China ranks third in the list while India is in fourth place, according to Global Firepower 2025.
Total Soldiers: The total number of active soldiers in the Indian Armed Forces is 1,455,550 while China has 2,035,300 active soldiers.
Reserve Soldiers: India has 1,155,000 reserve soldiers against China’s 510,000 reserve soldiers.
Paramilitary Forces: India has a total of 2,527,000 paramilitary forces, whereas China has 625,000 paramilitary forces.
Tanks: The Indian Army has 4,201 tanks, while the Chinese Army has 6,800 tanks.
Armoured Vehicles: The Indian Army has 148,594 armoured vehicles. Meanwhile, the Chinese Army has 144,017 armoured vehicles.
Towed Artillery: The Indian Army has 3,975 towed artilleries while Chinese Army has 1,000 towed artilleries.
Rocket Launchers: The Indian Army has 264 rocket launchers against China’s 2,750 rocket launchers.
Air Force
Aircraft: The Indian Air Force (IAF) has a total of 2,229 aircraft against China’s 3,309 aircraft.
Fighter Aircraft: The Indian Air Force has 513 fighter aircraft. Meanwhile, the Chinese Air Force has 1,212 fighter aircraft.
Attack Aircraft: The Indian Air Force has 130 attack aircraft. Meanwhile, the Chinese Air Force has 371 attack aircraft.
Transport Aircraft: The Indian Air Force has 270 transport aircraft. Meanwhile, the Chinese Air Force has 289 transport aircraft.
Helicopters: The Indian Air Force has 899 helicopters. Meanwhile, the Chinese Air Force has 931 helicopters.
Attack Helicopters: The Indian Air Force has 80 attack helicopters. Meanwhile, the Chinese Air Force has 281 attack helicopters.
Navy
The Indian Navy’s fleet strength is 293. Meanwhile, the Chinese Navy’s fleet strength is 754.
Aircraft Carriers: The Indian Navy has two aircraft carriers. Meanwhile, the Chinese Navy has 3 aircraft carriers.
Submarines: The Indian Navy has 18 submarines. Meanwhile, the Chinese Navy has 61 submarines.
Destroyers: The Indian Navy has 13 destroyers. Meanwhile, the Chinese Navy has 50 destroyers.
Frigates: The Indian Navy has 14 frigates. Meanwhile, the Chinese Navy has 47 frigates.
Corvettes: The Indian Navy has 18 corvettes. Meanwhile, the Chinese Navy has 72 corvettes.
