India’s Indigenous Missiles Outclass Pakistan’s Imported Arsenal

India’s indigenous missile systems are proving to be a formidable counter to Pakistan’s largely imported military arsenal. As part of the government’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative in the defence sector, homegrown technologies like the Akash surface-to-air missile have significantly enhanced India’s military readiness.

Recently, the Akash missile system, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), successfully intercepted and shot down a Pakistani JF-17 fighter jet in the Pathankot sector. This marked a crucial milestone in India's journey towards defence self-reliance and demonstrated the combat efficiency of indigenous systems.

In response to its success, the Akash system is now being deployed extensively across forward areas. Both the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force are equipped with these systems, particularly along the Pakistan border.

The Akash missile has a range of 25 to 30 kilometers and operates under radar-based command guidance. It is designed to neutralise aircraft, drones, and cruise missiles with high precision and can be launched from mobile platforms, making it suitable for various operational terrains.

The downed JF-17 aircraft — jointly developed by China and Pakistan — further highlights Islamabad’s dependency on Beijing for supply, maintenance, and technical support. Analysts suggest that this reliance restricts Pakistan’s full understanding and tactical use of such imported platforms.

Pakistan has also deployed Chinese JF-10 jets and, at times, controversially used US-supplied F-16s in operations against Indian targets, including civilian infrastructure. In recent days, Pakistan launched multiple drone and missile strikes targeting Indian cities such as Jammu, Pathankot, Amritsar, Chandigarh, and several districts in Rajasthan. These attacks were effectively repelled by India’s integrated air defence systems.

Besides Akash, India has deployed other advanced platforms such as the ZU-23, L-70, and Shilka systems — many of which are either indigenously developed or upgraded domestically. Together, they form a multi-layered defence network capable of detecting and neutralising incoming threats.

The stark contrast in defence philosophies is evident — India continues to invest in and develop its own technologies, while Pakistan remains reliant on foreign military aid and imports. This disparity not only provides India with greater strategic and operational autonomy but also positions it advantageously for long-term military preparedness and modern warfare adaptability.