Pakistan is set to form a new specialized military force tasked with overseeing missile combat capabilities in the event of a conventional conflict. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif made the announcement on August 14, during a ceremony in Islamabad, marking the latest development in the country’s defense strategy, amid rising tensions with neighboring India.
In a move aimed at enhancing Pakistan’s conventional warfare capabilities, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif revealed the establishment of the Army Rocket Force, a new military division dedicated to the supervision and deployment of missiles. The announcement came a day before the country’s 78th Independence Day and marks a significant step in bolstering Pakistan’s defense infrastructure.
Source: “Missile Threat – CSIS”
Sharif emphasized that the new force would be equipped with advanced technology to ensure missile deployment from all directions, further strengthening the country’s conventional defense capabilities. While the Prime Minister did not provide specifics on the operational details, the creation of this force is seen as a direct response to India’s growing military advancements.
A senior security official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, confirmed that the Army Rocket Force will have its own command within the military structure, with a primary focus on managing missile systems during a conventional conflict. The official noted that the force is primarily designed to counter India’s military capabilities, reflecting the longstanding rivalry between the two nuclear-armed nations.
Tensions between India and Pakistan have been escalating in recent months, particularly following an attack in Indian-administered Kashmir in April, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians. India accused Pakistan of involvement, a claim that Islamabad denied. The subsequent military conflict in May saw both nations utilizing missiles, drones, and fighter jets, underscoring the volatile situation in the region.
The announcement of the Army Rocket Force comes amid ongoing military upgrades by both India and Pakistan, as each country seeks to maintain a strategic advantage. The two nations have fought multiple wars since their independence in 1947, with the Kashmir region remaining a contentious point of dispute.
Pakistan’s move to establish a dedicated missile force highlights the growing militarization of the region and the intensifying arms race between the two neighboring countries.
