The **Pakistani forces**, officially known as the Pakistan Armed Forces, comprise the world's sixth-largest military by active personnel and include three main branches: the Pakistan Army, Navy, and Air Force, supported by paramilitary units like the National Guard and Civil Armed Forces[1]. Established at the country's independence in 1947, the forces are headquartered in Rawalpindi Cantonment, Punjab[3]. The President of Pakistan serves as the commander-in-chief, with operational command under the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee and respective service chiefs[1]. The Pakistani military is internationally recognized for its strategic focus on nuclear deterrence, managed by its Strategic Plans Division Force, responsible for safeguarding Pakistan’s tactical and strategic nuclear arsenal[1]. It maintains a robust defense relationship with China, its largest military equipment supplier, jointly developing advanced weapon systems such as the JF-17 fighter aircraft and engaging in cooperative nuclear and space technology programs[1]. This Sino-Pakistani partnership has enhanced defense capabilities, including integrated communication and network systems, and accelerated local military-industrial development[1][3]. In conventional terms, Pakistan’s military, with about 660,000 active troops and approximately 291,000 paramilitaries, is smaller than its regional rival India but remains a top 15 global military power, ranked 12th in 2025 by Global Firepower[2][5]. It fields a considerable inventory including 2,537 main battle tanks and 1,399 aircraft, notably JF-17s and J-10Cs, emphasizing quick mobilization and strategic deterrence[2]. Pakistan’s defense budget, at approximately $10.2 billion, is significantly lower than India’s but supports substantial indigenous production alongside imports from China[2]. Notably, during the May 2025 India-Pakistan clashes along the Line of Control, Pakistani forces demonstrated effective air defense and electronic warfare capabilities by neutralizing multiple Indian fighter jets and over 100 drones