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The Pakistan Army Rocket Force has been officially announced by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, marking what he called a “milestone in strengthening the nation’s combat capability.” The launch of this specialized military branch represents a significant shift in Pakistan’s defence strategy, particularly in the wake of escalating tensions with neighbouring India.

Unveiled on August 13, 2025, just before Pakistan’s 78th Independence Day, the Pakistan Army Rocket Force is designed to oversee, manage, and deploy missile systems for conventional warfare. The force will operate under its own independent command structure, enhancing operational readiness and improving the country’s ability to respond to modern threats.

Historical Context: Why the Pakistan Army Rocket Force Was Created

The roots of this decision can be traced back to the May 2025 India-Pakistan military conflict, the most intense in decades. Both nations deployed advanced weaponry — including missiles, drones, and fighter jets — in a confrontation that underscored vulnerabilities in Pakistan’s conventional missile command structure (South China Morning Post).

While Pakistan’s defence strategy has historically centred on nuclear deterrence, this conflict made it clear that conventional missile strength is equally vital. The Pakistan Army Rocket Force fills that gap, creating a specialized arm of the military focused solely on missile-based conventional warfare.

Key Features of the Pakistan Army Rocket Force

1. Independent Command Structure

• The new force will function as a separate entity within the army, ensuring decisions and deployments can be made without delays caused by multi-branch coordination.

2. Advanced Technology Integration

• The force will be equipped with modern targeting systems, improved missile platforms, and advanced guidance mechanisms to increase accuracy and reduce collateral damage (Defence Journal).

3. Conventional Warfare Focus

• Unlike strategic nuclear forces, the Pakistan Army Rocket Force is dedicated to non-nuclear missile deployment, allowing for precise strikes during conventional conflicts.

4. Rapid Response Capability

• With dedicated resources and a focused mission, the Rocket Force aims to shorten the time between identifying a target and executing a strike.

Strategic Importance in Regional Security

The announcement is widely seen as a direct response to India’s growing missile arsenal and advancements in precision-strike technology (Moneycontrol). India has made significant investments in long-range conventional missiles, hypersonic systems, and integrated command networks, creating a capability gap that Pakistan is now aiming to close.

Enhancing Deterrence

The Pakistan Army Rocket Force acts as a dual deterrent:

• Conventional Deterrence: Signals that Pakistan can respond to conventional missile attacks with equal or greater precision.

• Strategic Deterrence: Demonstrates that Pakistan’s defence planning now incorporates rapid, flexible responses without escalating directly to nuclear options.

Geopolitical Messaging

By creating this force, Pakistan is sending a clear message to both allies and rivals:

• It is committed to modernizing its armed forces.

• It will not allow technological gaps to undermine its sovereignty.

• It is prepared for both defensive and preemptive missile operations in high-threat scenarios.

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Impact on Pakistan’s Military Doctrine

The Pakistan Army Rocket Force is more than just a new military unit — it represents an evolution in Pakistan’s overall military doctrine.

• Shift from Reactive to Proactive: Previously, Pakistan’s missile usage in conventional warfare was limited and reactive. The new force allows for pre-planned, proactive strategies.

• Integration with Other Forces: The Rocket Force will work in close coordination with the Air Force and Naval missile units, creating a joint-strike capability that is faster and more efficient.

• Reduced Nuclear Dependency: By strengthening conventional missile power, Pakistan reduces the risk of having to escalate to nuclear responses in conventional conflicts.

Potential Missile Systems Under the Rocket Force

While official details remain classified, analysts suggest the Pakistan Army Rocket Force may include:

• Nasr (Hatf-IX) Tactical Ballistic Missiles – Known for quick deployment and precision targeting at short ranges (Missile Threat – CSIS).

• Ghauri and Shaheen Series – For medium to long-range strike capability.

• Babur Cruise Missiles – Offering low-level flight for evasion and precision strikes.

• Future Hypersonic Platforms – To counter India’s hypersonic missile development.

International Reactions and Concerns

The creation of the Pakistan Army Rocket Force has drawn mixed reactions:

• India: Defence analysts in India see this as a clear counter to their own missile advancements, potentially fueling a new phase of the regional arms race.

• China: As Pakistan’s close defence partner, China may provide technical assistance or joint exercises to strengthen the force’s capabilities.

• United States & NATO: Concerns revolve around the potential for escalation in South Asia, though the emphasis on conventional (non-nuclear) warfare has tempered alarm (BBC Defence).

Future Outlook

Over the next five years, the Pakistan Army Rocket Force is expected to:

1. Expand Infrastructure – Building specialized missile bases, launch facilities, and command centres.
2. Conduct Joint Drills – Engaging in large-scale exercises with air and ground forces to refine operational readiness.
3. Incorporate AI and Satellite Targeting – Leveraging modern battlefield technology for improved accuracy.

Conclusion

The launch of the Pakistan Army Rocket Force is a landmark development in the country’s defence history. By creating a specialized, well-equipped, and independently commanded missile unit, Pakistan is taking a decisive step toward bolstering its conventional deterrence.

This move reflects lessons learned from the May 2025 conflict with India, recognizing the need for a rapid, precise, and powerful missile response in modern warfare. As the new force takes shape, it will likely become a cornerstone of Pakistan’s military strategy — both as a shield against threats and as a signal of strength on the world stage.