Pakistan Forms New Army Rocket Force Inspired by China's Missile Command
Following a setback in Operation Sindoor, Pakistan has unveiled the Army Rocket Force (ARFC), a new military division focusing on missile warfare in traditional conflicts. This initiative, closely modeled after China's People's Liberation Army Rocket Force (PLARF), is perceived as a countermeasure to India’s dominant military position in the recent skirmish.
The announcement came from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad on the eve of Pakistan's Independence Day. He described this new force as being "equipped with modern technology" and termed it a "milestone in strengthening the combat capability" of the Pakistan Army.
The ARFC is set to have a distinct command structure for the operation and deployment of missiles during conventional conflicts. Security officials have stated that the unit's focus is "obviously meant for India." This development mirrors China’s PLARF, which oversees ballistic, cruise, and hypersonic missiles for both nuclear and conventional purposes.
Military analysts highlight the strengthening of the military alliance between Islamabad and Beijing through this new unit. During Operation Sindoor, China was reported to have provided Pakistan with critical real-time intelligence, satellite data, J-10 fighter jets, and AI-driven battle management systems like CENTAIC. The establishment of Pakistan's ARFC is seen as another step towards incorporating Chinese technology and strategic approaches into its military framework.
The fierce encounter between India and Pakistan, spanning May 7–10, showcased intense exchanges involving drones, loitering munitions, and missiles.
| India’s edge: | Indian missile defense systems successfully intercepted nearly all incoming Pakistani projectiles, including the Fatah-1 missile over Sirsa, Haryana. |
| Offensive strikes: | The Indian Air Force conducted strikes on strategic Pakistani targets, including the PAF's Nur Khan airbase and vital communication hubs. |
| Pakistani performance: | Most of Pakistan's Chinese-made PL-15 missiles did not breach India's layered air defense, revealing significant deficiencies. |
The introduction of Pakistan's ARFC aims to bridge the missile capability gap with India and further align Pakistan’s strategic posture with Chinese military principles. Defense experts caution that this could escalate the arms race in South Asia, particularly in the areas of precision-strike and missile-defense technology.
