Pakistan has announced the formation of a new military branch dedicated to managing missile capabilities in conventional warfare.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif unveiled the Army Rocket Force on August 13 during a ceremony in Islamabad, marking the country’s 78th Independence Day and months after one of the fiercest clashes with India in decades.
The Army Rocket Force will operate under its own command structure, overseeing the deployment and supervision of missile systems.
Government officials say the new unit will be equipped with modern technology and is intended to strengthen the army’s combat readiness.
Defence sources suggest the move mirrors India’s missile capabilities and is aimed at maintaining regional deterrence.
The initiative follows the May 2025 confrontation between Pakistan and India, which involved missiles, drones, and air strikes, and ended in a ceasefire reportedly mediated by the United States.
It is seen as part of broader military modernisation efforts.
Local reports note that the structure of the force appears similar to China’s People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force, which centralises control over long-range precision strike weapons.
Sharif said the creation of the force reflected Pakistan’s commitment to enhancing its strategic security environment.
The announcement comes amid ongoing tensions in South Asia and marks a significant shift in Pakistan’s defence organisation, focusing more directly on missile warfare within conventional conflict scenarios.