Army Day 2024: How Many Tanks, Missiles, Rockets Does Indian Army Have?

Indian Army Day is just around the corner, celebrated on January 15th every year! It's a day to honor and celebrate the brave soldiers of the Indian Army, who sacrifice so much to protect the nation. The 76th Army Day is being celebrated in Lucknow and on this proud moment let's talk about the arm strength of Indian Army.

About Army Day: It marks the historic moment on January 15th, 1949, when Lieutenant General Kodandera M. Cariappa took over as the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army, succeeding the last British Commander-in-Chief. This signifies the transfer of power and the Army's transition to an independent entity.

Army Day Celebrations includes three major things:

Grand military parade: The main event is a spectacular parade held in Delhi, showcasing the might and discipline of the Indian Army. Different regiments, tanks, armored vehicles, and aircraft participate, demonstrating their capabilities.

Honors and Awards: Gallantry awards and Sena Medals are bestowed upon deserving soldiers for their acts of bravery and service.

Events across India: Similar parades and events are held at all Army headquarters across the country, along with wreath-laying ceremonies at war memorials and cultural programs.

Strength of Indian Army

In terms of battle on the ground; Indian soldiers are counted among the best soldiers in the world. Indian army is the third largest army in the world. According to the data available on https://static.mygov.in/, India has a total of 1.4 million active army and 11.55 reserve forces, as well as 20 lac paramilitary forces.

According to the government of India's website static.mygov's data uploaded in December 2021 there are 14 lakh soldiers in active army and 11.55 lakh in reserved forces and 2 million in paramilitary forces.

Nuclear Triad Capability

India is among the six nations in the world possessing a nuclear triad, signifying significant advancements in its defence capabilities. This allows India to launch nuclear strikes from land, air, and sea, enhancing its deterrence potential and strategic autonomy.

Arms Strength:

• Tanks: 6464
• Armoured Fighting Vehicle (AFV):6704
• Self Propelled Guns: 290
• Towed Artillery Vehicles: 7414
• Multiple Rocket Launcher: 292
• Nuclear Warheads: 110-120

List of major Missiles and warheads in India

1. Supersonic Cruise Missile BrahMos:

India's most dangerous missile is Brahmos, which attacks at the speed of 4,900 km/h. It means the BrahMos can attack at the speed of around 2.8 times faster than sound. It is expected that the supersonic cruise missile BrahMos will be equipped with the advanced engine with hypersonic capability in coming 10 years and it is also expected that it will cross the speed of 7 Mac (seven times the speed of sound). One more amazing thing about this missile is that neither, USA, China nor Pakistan have more dangerous missile than BrahMos.

2. Prithvi Missile

Prithvi is the indigenously developed surface-to-surface ballistic missile boasts a range of up to 350 kilometers and advanced features designed to enhance its survivability against anti-missile systems. Its capabilities contribute to India's overall deterrence strategy and regional defence.

3. Agni-5 Missile

Agni-5 is an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile. It is a land-based ballistic missile with a significantly increased range compared to its predecessors. Its enhanced capabilities in navigation, guidance, and engine technology position it as a valuable asset within India's strategic defence system.

4. Arjuna Tank (MBT)

Arjun Tank is named after the name of Mahabharata's, Arjun. Its target hitting accuracy is as perfect as the Arjun. Arjun is a Main Battle Tank (MBT) of third generation in the Indian army. It has been developed by India's Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO).

The Arjun tank gets strength from the engine of 1400 Horsepower. The maximum speed of the Arjun tank is 67 kilometers per hour, although on the unbalanced routes it can run at the speed of 40 kilometers per hour.

Arjuna Tank was included in the Indian Army in 2009. As of now India has approximately 248 Arjun tanks (unofficial).

5. Pinaka Multi Barrel Rocket Launcher

The Pinaka is a powerful multi-barrel rocket launcher developed by India's Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) specifically for the Indian Army. Designed to complement existing artillery systems, Pinaka excels in area coverage at ranges beyond 30 kilometers.

Two variants of Pinaka exist:

Mark-1: Capable of striking targets up to 40 kilometers away.
Mark-2: Boasts an extended range of 75 kilometers.

It can launch 12 high explosive rockets in 44 seconds. Pinaka had given its quick reaction services during the Kargil war and was able to neutralize the enemy's position on the top of the mountain. About 5000 missiles are being produced every year in India since 2014. In addition to Pinaka India has purchased the S-400 Anti Aircraft System from the Russia.

Artillery in India

India has bought 145 Howitzer M-777 artillery/canons from the USA. The biggest plus point of this artillery is its low weight that is why it can be uplift on the hilly areas to retaliate properly.

Boasting a 39-caliber barrel: This translates to superior barrel length and increased projectile velocity, enhancing accuracy and range.

Unleashing firepower with a muzzle velocity of 827m/s: Projectiles reach their targets at impressive speeds, ensuring swift neutralization of distant threats.

Delivering precision strikes at maximum range: With 24.7 kilometers for standard rounds, the M777 reaches far-flung targets with pinpoint accuracy.

The M777 has weight of 3,745 kg and can be transported by helicopter, transporter aircraft and ship.