Pakistan and Afghanistan Militaries Compared Amid Escalating Cross-Border Conflict

Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan escalated into open conflict on February 27, 2026, with Pakistan launching airstrikes targeting militant hideouts in Afghan cities. Pakistan's military significantly outmatches the Taliban-led Afghan forces in personnel, equipment, and nuclear capability, fielding about 660,000 active personnel and a fleet of 465 combat aircraft. In contrast, Afghanistan's forces number around 172,000, relying on captured Soviet-era and U.S. equipment with limited modernization and no air force. Both sides report casualties amid closed borders and ongoing hostilities.