Army Rocket Force Command

Last updated
Army Rocket Force Command
Active2025;0 years ago (2025)
CountryFlag of Pakistan.svg  Pakistan
BranchFlag of the Pakistani Army.svg  Pakistan Army
TypeTactical and conventional missile force
Role Strategic deterrence
Conventional missile deployment
Size ☓☓☓ Corps  
Headquarters General Headquarters (Pakistan Army) in Chaklala, Punjab, Pakistan
Equipment Fatah-I
Fatah-II

The Army Rocket Force Command (ARFC) is an arm of the Pakistan Army tasked with controlling and operating conventional rockets and missiles, including cruise, ballistic, and future hypersonic missiles. [1] [2] Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced its formation on 13 August 2025, one month after the 2025 India–Pakistan conflict in May. [3] [4]

Contents

Formation

On 13 August 2025, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced the formation of the Army Rocket Force Command during a ceremony at Jinnah Sports Stadium in Islamabad, held a day ahead of Pakistan's 78th Independence Day and after the 2025 India–Pakistan conflict, referred to by Pakistan as Marka-i-Haq "معرکہ الحق" ("Battle of Truth"). [5] [6]

Mission

The ARFC has been tasked with controlling and operating conventional rockets and missiles, and will primarily control short-to-medium range conventional missiles. According to Prime Minister Sharif, the force will be equipped with modern technology and capable of targeting the enemy "from every direction." He described it as "another milestone" in strengthening Pakistan's conventional war capabilities. [5] [6] The new formation is tasked to unify, modernise, and supercharge the Pakistani missile and rocket forces. [7] Analyst Naeem Salik said the ARFC will be overseen by the army’s General Headquarters (GHQ). [2]

Government statements described the new command as intended to supervise the handling and deployment of missiles during a conventional war. [5] Defence analyst Talat Masood said the move was part of a process to further strengthen Pakistan's military capability in the wake of the 2025 India–Pakistan conflict. [6]

Organisation

The establishment of the Army Rocket Force Command consolidates conventional and rocket units from several formations and specialist detachments into a single operational command, mirroring the Army Strategic Forces Command. [7] The ARFC is expected to be led by a three-star general. [2] Saalik said the force currently includes the Fatah-1 and Fatah-2 rockets.

Conflict with India

The creation of the command follows a period of heightened tensions between Pakistan and India in the aftermath of the 2025 India–Pakistan conflict. [5] [6] It is also believed to be aimed primarily at countering Pakistan's arch-rival, India, and was created to implement lessons learned from the May conflict by filling gaps and shortages in Pakistan's missile capabilities. [1]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 Syed, Baqir Sajjad (2025-08-15). "New 'rocket force' to bolster strike capability". Dawn. Retrieved 2025-10-28.
  2. 1 2 3 Hussain, Abid. "Why has Pakistan launched a new rocket command after India conflict?". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 2025-10-28.
  3. ↑ Mandal, Sohini (2025-08-19). "Update: Pakistan establishes rocket force, unveils new missile". Janes. Retrieved 2025-10-28.
  4. ↑ "PM announces creation of missile command in Pakistan army aimed at boosting combat power". Arab News. 2025-08-14. Retrieved 2025-10-28.
  5. 1 2 3 4 Shahzad, Asif (14 August 2025). "Pakistan to create military force to supervise missiles after India conflict". Reuters . Retrieved 15 August 2025.
  6. 1 2 3 4 "Pakistan to form Army Rocket Force Command to bolster defence strength". Dawn . APP. 14 August 2025. Retrieved 15 August 2025.
  7. 1 2 "Pakistan Launches Army Rocket Force Command – A Game-Changer in South Asia's Military Balance". Defence Security Asia. 15 August 2025. Retrieved 19 August 2025.
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