Pakistan announced the creation of a dedicated Army Rocket Force Command (ARFC), aimed at enhancing its missile combat capabilities in any conventional conflict, officials said. The announcement was made by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during a ceremony marking the country’s Independence Day.
Sharif stated, “It will be equipped with modern technology and will prove to be a milestone in strengthening the combat capability of Pakistan's army.” The move is widely interpreted as a response to India’s military superiority showcased during Operation Sindoor in May, where India’s air defence successfully intercepted most of Pakistan’s missiles during a four-day skirmish.
The ARFC is reportedly modeled after China’s People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force (PLARF), which manages China’s strategic and tactical missile arsenal, including ballistic, hypersonic, and cruise missiles for both conventional and nuclear purposes. A senior Pakistani security official confirmed that the command will exclusively handle and deploy missiles, and remarked, “It is obvious that it is meant for India.”
Analysts note that the formation of the ARFC underscores the deepening military partnership between Islamabad and Beijing. During Operation Sindoor, China reportedly provided Pakistan with real-time intelligence, satellite surveillance, and advanced hardware, including J-10 aircraft and AI-driven systems like CENTAIC. This collaboration, observers say, positions Pakistan as a strategic testing ground for Chinese military technology.
Group Captain MJ Augustine (Retired) explained that the new missile command will strengthen Pakistan’s regional posture and reinforce the China-Pakistan "all-weather friendship", leveraging Chinese technology transfers to build a robust missile strike capability.
The ARFC is expected to oversee land-based missile deployments, enhancing Pakistan’s readiness in potential future confrontations with India, though experts point out that Pakistan’s previous missile systems underperformed against India’s air defence during recent hostilities.
