India Far Ahead of Pakistan in Drone Capabilities
In the early hours of May 7, India launched Operation Sindoor , a coordinated strike by its armed forces targeting terror bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK). The operation showcased India’s use of a blend of high-precision, long-range strike weapons, with air power playing a pivotal role. As tensions rise over the possibility of further military escalation, it’s worth examining how India and Pakistan compare militarily. According to data from SIPRI, the Indian military possesses a larger fleet of aircraft than Pakistan. However, the most striking difference lies in drone capabilities and naval strength. India’s edge in drone power is particularly significant. Until 2024, India maintained an inventory of 200 medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) drones—three times the number Pakistan holds. Pakistan’s total stands at just 60, according to figures from the International Centre for Peace Studies (ICPS).