India ready to confront Pakistan in land conflict

After the bloody terrorist attack in Pahalgam city that killed more than 20 people, India immediately responded with airstrikes targeting Pakistani territory.

In response, Islamabad claimed to have shot down five Indian fighter jets and a drone. Although there has been no independent confirmation, reports suggest that New Delhi has lost at least one Rafale – its modern mainstay fighter jet.

If the air conflict does not give India the upper hand, a ground war scenario is entirely possible, despite calls for restraint from the US, China and the international community. And if that happens, tanks will play a decisive role.

Few people know that India possesses one of the largest tank forces in the world , with about 3,700 main battle tanks. Of these, about 125 are Arjuns - a third-generation tank designed by India with a 120mm main gun, explosive reactive armor and composite armor.

1,200 T-90S/MS Bhishma tanks - upgraded version of Russian T-90 tanks; 2,400 T-72 Ajeya tanks - legendary Soviet tanks, upgraded by India to suit South Asian battlefield conditions.

Although not all are modern, the number is enough to create an overwhelming advantage. Observers say that immediately after the Pahalgam attack, the Indian Ministry of Defense began to switch the combat readiness of armored units.

Although largely based on Russian designs, India’s T-90 and T-72 tanks have been significantly localized, from their fire control systems to their armor protection. This makes them better suited to operating in Kashmir, a rugged and frequently contested region.

Not stopping there, India is developing the Zorawar light tank – a type specifically designed for mountainous and highland areas, such as the Sino-Indian border and Kashmir. Zorawar is expected to be deployed by 2027.

The battlefield in Ukraine shows that whether attacked by UAVs or modern anti-tank missiles, tanks are still the backbone of both defensive and offensive operations. And if war breaks out between India and Pakistan, the “armored beasts” will not be left out.

While Pakistan has a smaller armoured force and relies heavily on foreign support, India has the numbers, technology and indigenous production capacity.

Experts say that if the conflict moves to the ground, the advantage will tilt towards New Delhi. (Photo source: Wikipedia, Global Look Press, AKHTER GULFAM)

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