Pakistan plans to establish a military unit tasked with monitoring missile operations, following tensions with India.
Pakistan Announces New Army Rocket Force Command Amidst Ongoing Tensions with India
Pakistan has taken a significant step in its military strategy, announcing the creation of the Army Rocket Force Command (ARFC) on the eve of its 78th Independence Day. This new command, officially announced by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, aims to consolidate and modernize the nation's missile and rocket combat capabilities for conventional warfare [1][2][3].
The formation of the ARFC follows the recent India-Pakistan conflict, known as Marka-i-Haq ("Battle of Truth"), in May 2025. This conflict, one of the worst in decades between the two nuclear-armed nations, reportedly exposed weaknesses in Pakistan’s missile systems, with many attacks intercepted by India’s air defense [3][4]. The new command is designed to address these shortcomings by equipping the missile forces with modern technology and improving operational control and effectiveness.
The ARFC will consolidate various missile and rocket units from multiple branches into one command, enhancing command-and-control and readiness for conventional war scenarios. This move is seen as a direct response to India’s military advancements, particularly following the setback during Operation Sindoor in May 2025 [1][2][3][4].
Official statements and defense analysts suggest that this move is part of a broader effort to strengthen Pakistan’s conventional war-fighting capacity and strategic deterrence. The timing of the announcement, on Pakistan’s Independence Day and shortly after the recent conflict, is symbolic of Pakistan’s resolve to bolster its defense posture against India.
It is important to note that the longstanding rivalry between Pakistan and India dates back to their independence from British rule in 1947. Tensions soared in April 2025 over the killing of 26 civilians in Indian Kashmir, leading to a series of skirmishes between the two nations. During the conflict in May, the use of missiles, drones, and fighter jets by both countries was reported [1][2][3][4].
In a notable development, U.S. President Donald Trump was involved in the cease-fire announcement during the conflict in May. However, the creation of the ARFC indicates that both nations continue to upgrade their military capabilities, underscoring the need for diplomatic efforts to maintain peace in the region.
In conclusion, the creation of the Army Rocket Force Command marks a significant reorganization and modernization of Pakistan’s missile forces to enhance their operational effectiveness in conventional conflicts, particularly reflecting lessons learned from recent hostilities with India and aiming to restore strategic balance in the region [1][3][4].
[1] "Pakistan Announces Creation of Army Rocket Force Command." BBC News, BBC, 15 Aug. 2025, www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-64629956
[2] "Pakistan Unveils New Army Rocket Force Command." Reuters, Thomson Reuters, 15 Aug. 2025, www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/pakistan-unveils-new-army-rocket-force-command-2025-08-15/
[3] "Pakistan's New Army Rocket Force Command: What We Know." The Diplomat, The Diplomat, 16 Aug. 2025, www.thediplomat.com/2025/08/pakistans-new-army-rocket-force-command-what-we-know/
[4] "Pakistan's Army Rocket Force: A Response to India's Military Capabilities." The National, The National, 17 Aug. 2025, www.thenationalnews.com/world/asia/pakistans-army-rocket-force-a-response-to-indias-military-capabilities-1.1148607
Read also:
- Weekly happenings in the German Federal Parliament (Bundestag)
- Southwest region's most popular posts, accompanied by an inquiry:
- Discussion between Putin and Trump in Alaska could potentially overshadow Ukraine's concerns
- Massive 8.8 earthquake hits off the coast of Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula, prompting Japan to issue a tsunami alert.
