In a striking display of military might, a new analysis reveals the staggering arsenal of weapons possessed by India and China, underscoring escalating tensions between the two nuclear-armed giants. As both nations bolster their defenses, the world watches with bated breath.
India’s T90S Bhishma tanks form the backbone of its armored forces, with approximately 2,400 units actively deployed. In stark contrast, China’s Type 99 tanks, boasting advanced capabilities, have been in service since 2001, with over 1,200 units enhancing their combat readiness. The competition extends into the domain of anti-satellite weapons, where both nations have demonstrated formidable capabilities—India testing its systems in 2019, while China achieved this feat in 2007.
The missile defense landscape further highlights the rivalry. India’s dual-tier missile defense system, featuring the Prithvi and Advanced Air Defense missiles, is designed to intercept threats from up to 5,000 kilometers away. Meanwhile, China’s advanced HQ series of anti-ballistic missiles and its S-400 systems bolster its defensive posture.
In the race for hypersonic technology, India is developing a Hypersonic Glide Vehicle, while China has operationalized its DF-ZF hypersonic vehicle, capable of speeds between Mach 5 and Mach 10. The intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capabilities reveal a stark disparity: India’s Agni-5 can reach 8,000 kilometers, while China’s Dongfeng series boasts a maximum range of 15,000 kilometers and multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles.
Air superiority remains a critical focus, with India’s Su-30MKI and French Rafale jets pitted against China’s stealthy J-20 and advanced Su-35 fighters. In naval power, both nations possess aircraft carriers, with India operating two and China rapidly expanding its fleet, including the formidable Shandong.
As military advancements accelerate, the implications for regional stability are profound. The world is on high alert as both nations prepare for an uncertain future, where the balance of power hangs in the balance.