Pakistan Rocket Force: Pakistan is rapidly expanding its military capabilities post Operation Sindoor setback, and has now announced the establishing of a rocket force, a new military unit of the Pakistan Army, which will be created on the lines of China’s People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force (PLARF).
As per details, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif made the announcement during the country’s 78th Independence Day celebrations on Thursday, revealing Pakistan Rocket Force, officially named the Army Rocket Force Command (ARFC), will be established as a separate unit of the Pakistan Army.
What is the Pakistan Rocket Force?
According to media reports, the Army Rocket Force Command aka the Pakistan Rocket Force, will be deployed as a special unit of the Pakistan Army, and have the command of the country’s conventional missile and rocket systems. The Pakistan Rocket Force will command ballistic, cruise and hypersonic weapons acquired from China under an integrated command structure, providing support to the Pakistan Army by taking charge of missile and rocket systems.
Notably, Pakistan is rapidly stocking its weapons’ arsenal at war footing, purchasing advanced weapons systems, including 40 J-35 stealth fighter aircraft, KJ-500 early warning aircraft and the HQ-19 anti-ballistic missile system, which is likely to be under the command of Pakistan’s rocket force.
Why Asim Munir is reorganizing Pakistan Army?
As per military experts, Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir has stepped up the reorganization of the army after the crushing defeat it faced at India’s hands during Operation Sindoor in May this year. Experts believe the formation of the Pakistan Rocket Force is a major step in that direction, aimed at achieving aggressive strategic interests.
Strategists fear that Pakistan’s new military unit could disturb the balance of power in the region, threaten regional security, and also trigger a new arms race in South Asia.
How Pakistan Rocket Force is a concern for India?
Military experts believe that Pakistan’s rocket force is primarily aimed at gaining military superiority over India, particularly the missile prowess of Indian armed forces. A centralized command of long-range rocket and missile systems will give Pakistan the capability to attack India’s air defense, airports and command centers.
Several pro-Pakistan military experts have termed the rocket force as a “game-changer”, while Indian strategists have urged New Delhi to prepare countermeasures in wake of the new threat.