Tensions have escalated between Pakistan and Iran following a series of cross-border military actions targeting alleged militant bases within each other’s territories. The recent incidents, occurring within a span of two days, have reignited concerns over the long-standing issue of insurgent groups operating along the shared border of the two nations.
The latest confrontation saw Pakistani forces conducting a strike in Iran’s Sistan-Baluchestan province, which resulted in the deaths of at least nine individuals, as reported by Reuters. This operation was conducted on Thursday and was aimed at Baloch separatist militants. This strike was a response to an earlier action by Iran, which claimed to have hit the bases of a militant group inside Pakistani territory on Tuesday.
The mutual accusations of harboring militants by Pakistan and Iran have been a persistent source of friction, contributing to a complex relationship between the two countries. The border regions have often been the focus of such allegations, with both sides asserting that the other allows militant groups to find refuge and launch cross-border attacks.
In the context of these recent events, it is pertinent to examine the military capabilities of both nations. The Global Firepower Index, which assesses the strength of military forces worldwide, ranks Pakistan’s military as the ninth strongest globally, while Iran’s military is positioned at number 14.
Pakistan’s military is a robust force, comprising the army, air force, and navy. The army is well-equipped with a variety of main battle tanks, such as the Al-Khalid and Type 90-II, and a wide range of armored fighting vehicles. The total personnel count for Pakistan’s military stands at approximately 1,200,000, with 650,000 active-duty members and a reserve force of 550,000.
The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) is a significant component of the country’s defense, with a fleet of over 700 aircraft, including the advanced F-16 fighters and the domestically produced JF-17 Thunder. The Pakistan Navy, although smaller in size with around 30,000 active-duty personnel, boasts a versatile array of frigates, submarines, and patrol vessels.
On the other side, Iran’s armed forces are recognized as the largest in the Middle East in terms of active troops. The military structure in Iran includes around 610,000 active-duty personnel, with an additional reserve force of 350,000, ready to be mobilized when necessary.
The Islamic Republic of Iran Army, the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF), and the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy constitute the primary components of Iran’s military. The IRIAF, although operating with a smaller fleet of over 300 aircraft, includes domestically produced fighters like the Saegheh and older models such as the F-4 Phantoms. The Iranian Navy, with a personnel count of approximately 20,000, manages a fleet of 67 units, which includes frigates, corvettes, and submarines.
The recent military engagements between Pakistan and Iran underscore the volatile nature of the region and the ongoing challenges posed by militant groups. The actions taken by both countries reflect the complexities of regional security dynamics and the need for effective management of their shared border. The military capabilities of both nations,
