As tensions escalate between India and Pakistan, their defence industries have come into sharp focus. India retaliated to Pakistan’s recent airstrikes by targeting and neutralising an air defence system in Lahore, following ceasefire violations in Poonch that killed 13 civilians and injured over 40.
In response to heavy losses and a stock market crash, Pakistan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs has pleaded to international partners for additional loans and de-escalation support. Amid this conflict, the contrast in defence capabilities between the two nations is increasingly evident. Here’s a brief comparison of their defence companies:
India: A Rapidly Expanding Defence Ecosystem
India boasts one of the world’s largest and most diversified defence industrial bases, supported by both public sector undertakings (PSUs) and an increasingly active private sector. With a strong push for indigenisation under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, India is positioning itself as a global defence manufacturing hub.
Major Defence Companies in India:
India’s defence sector is bolstered by a strong R&D ecosystem, indigenous platforms like Tejas, Arjun, and INS Vikrant, and growing exports worth Rs. 23,622 crore (~$2.76 billion) in FY25. Strategic ties with the US, Israel, France, and Russia further enhance the country’s capabilities.
I. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
HAL is involved in the design, development, manufacture, repair, overhaul, upgrade and servicing of a wide range of products including aircraft, helicopters, aero-engines, avionics, accessories and aerospace structures.
The company’s role is to serve as a key base for national policy to achieve self-reliance in design, development, manufacturing and production of the latest sophisticated aircraft fitted with the latest weapons and aeronautical equipments on requirement of the Indian Armed Forces.
Between 1942 and 1945, HAL overhauled more than 1,200 different varieties of aircraft and 3,800 piston engines of aircrafts, including models like the Fortress, Liberator, Mitchell, Bombers, Dakota & Commando, Transport aircraft Catalina, Amphibians aircraft and piston engines fitted to these aircrafts.
II. Bharat Electronics Limited
BEL is among the elite group of PSUs, which has been conferred the Navratna status. Following India’s independence, the Government introduced a comprehensive industrial policy that enabled the set-up of infrastructure for manufacturing key products. It was from this authority that BEL was established in 1954 under the Ministry of Defence to address the specialised electronic requirements of the Indian Defence.
Over the years, BEL has evolved into a multi-product, multi-technology, multi-unit conglomerate, delivering cutting-edge systems and products that support the armed forces in securing the nation’s borders.
Its offerings span across radars & fire control systems, missile systems, communication & C4I systems, electronic warfare & avionics, naval systems & antisubmarine warfare systems, electro-optics, tank electronics & gun upgrades, and strategic components.
III. Bharat Dynamics Limited
BDL was established as the manufacturing base for guided missile systems and related equipment for the Indian Armed Forces. Since its inception, BDL has collaborated closely with DRDO & foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to manufacture and supply a wide range of missiles and allied equipment to the Indian Armed Forces.
Over the years, BDL has emerged as one of the few companies globally with advanced facilities capable of manufacturing and supplying Guided Missiles, Underwater Weapons, Airborne products and Allied Defence Equipment for the Indian Armed Forces. The company also provides Product Life Cycle Support and Refurbishment/Life Extension of vintage Missiles.
To further strengthen its capabilities, BDL has established a “Warhead” manufacturing facility at its Bhanur unit, equipped to produce all warheads required for its range of products.
IV. Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited
Mazagon Dock is one of the leading shipbuilding yards in India. Since its takeover by the Government in 1960, the company has experienced significant growth, emerging as India’s premier war-shipbuilding yard, manufacturing Navy warships, offshore structures, and many others supporting the indian navy, Airforce and others.
It holds the distinction of being the only Indian shipyard to have constructed both destroyers and conventional submarines for the Indian Navy, and was also among the first in the nation to manufacture Corvettes (Veer & Khukri Class).
Pakistan: A China-Centric Defence Industry
Pakistan’s defence industry is primarily state-controlled, with limited private sector participation and significant dependence on external partnerships, chiefly with China. While the sector has achieved some level of self-reliance in areas like small arms and main battle tanks, it largely focuses on licensed production and joint ventures.
Major Defence Companies in Pakistan:
I. Pakistan Ordnance Factories
Established in 1951, POF is Pakistan’s premier defence production organization and the largest state owned defence manufacturer in Pakistan, under the Ministry of Defence Production, producing conventional arms & ammo to international standards.
Headquartered in Wah Cantt, POF presently comprises of 14 ordnance factories and 3 commercial subsidiaries. It manufactures commerical explosive, hunting ammunition, along with brass, copper & aluminum ingots, extrusions and sections for non-military application uses.
Its product range covers infantry weapons, small arms and artillery ammunition, mortar bombs, aircraft & anti aircratft ammunition, tank & anti-tank ammunition, grenades, military explosives & propllants, rockets, commercial explosives, anti submarine ammunition, and testing equipments.
II. Heavy Industries Taxila
HIT is involved in the manufacturing, rebuilding, upgrading, and development of tanks, tank guns and armoured personnel carriers (APCs). It promotes, markets, engineers, develops, and undertakes heavy engineering works for Pakistan’s military and for the civilian law enforcement agencies.
As per the company’s website, HIT is one of the largest defence products manufacturers and has grown into a military-industrial complex since its foundation in 1971.
III. Pakistan Aeronautical Complex
PAC, located in Kamra, Attock District, is a major aerospace, defence, aviation contractor, and military corporation, involved in aerial systems for both military and civilian usage.
Founded in 1971 by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), PAC designs, develops, and builds aircraft and avionics systems for the Inter–Service of the country, along with offering services for civilian aircraft. In addition, PAC performs local maintenance and works on the aircraft MLU systems of foreign-built military and civilian aircraft.
The categories encompass the design and development of aircraft, helicopters, UAVs, spacecraft & related equipment, engines, propulsion systems, and power generation. They also include infrastructure, construction, and civil engineering projects, along with maintenance, repair, overhaul, and logistics support.
Additionally, the scope covers mechanical, electromechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic components, as well as metal processing and the production of parts & components.
IV. Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works
Established in 1956, KS&EW is the only shipbuilding company in Pakistan and the largest industrial engineering complex of the country. Its core business areas include shipbuilding, submarine construction, ship repair and refurbishment, heavy general engineering, operation of a material testing laboratory, and the management of a shipyard training school.
Written by Shivani Singh
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