Introduction
On Independence Day, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced the creation of the Army Rocket Force Command (ARFC). This new force will oversee the use of conventional missiles during any conflict with the enemy. The conventional missiles in question include long-range, short, and medium-range (Fateh I and II), cruise, hypersonic, and ballistic missiles. Pakistan already has a Strategic Forces Command (SFC) to manage nuclear and conventional weapons.
However, the Army Rocket Force Command will handle only conventional ammunition, separating nuclear and non-nuclear missiles. This setup will enable quicker decision-making during war and ensure clarity when managing both nuclear and conventional weapons. In this region, countries like China, Russia, and India already have similar forces in place. Pakistan felt the need to establish this kind of force after the recent escalation with India in May 2025. The ARFC will be equipped with modern technology to counter the enemy in every way, leveraging the latest advancements in technology and artificial intelligence to stay ahead in conventional warfare.
Reasons for Announcing the Establishment of ARFC
Worldwide, the trend is shifting towards non-contact warfare. This means countries will likely avoid direct border clashes in conventional wars, instead using missiles to strike targets from their own territory. To stay ahead, nations are investing in the latest technology to upgrade their missiles. A recent example of this non-contact approach is the escalation between India and Pakistan, where both sides used their airspace for attacks. India launched numerous drones and missiles at Pakistan, while Pakistan responded with a targeted missile strike in various places in India. Both countries kept their ground forces out of the fight, focusing instead on air power.
In wartime, it’s crucial to develop a better strategy for hitting targets on enemy soil. This is because wars are rarely planned, and when one country attacks, the other often has little time to prepare a response. The decision-making process must be clear and swift, as even a few hours of indecision can give the enemy an advantage.
After its war with India, Pakistan established the Army Rocket Force Command to improve its decision-making during conflicts. Now, the Strategic Forces Command is responsible for nuclear weapons, while the Army Rocket Force Command handles the conventional missile attacks on the enemy.
Pakistan remains at risk of another confrontation with India, as India’s influence in South Asia has waned, and its diplomatic ties have suffered significantly after the war. India will likely try to regain its footing by spreading fake news about Pakistan. The Pakistani government and military are aware of this tactic, which is why Pakistan is taking steps to prepare for any kind of misadventure from India.
This time, India will likely return with greater force, so Pakistan must be prepared on all fronts—militarily, politically, and diplomatically. Establishing the Rocket Force is part of this preparation. It would enhance the military power of Pakistan. Additionally, Pakistan is making its stance known internationally through diplomatic delegations.
Is the ARFC Model Influenced by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force?
The common view after the announcement of Rocket Force is that it is inspired by China’s People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force (PLARF). This is China’s military branch responsible for managing the use of conventional and nuclear weapons during war. It indicates that China aims to help Pakistan strengthen its military in the future, as India is a common threat to both countries.
Additionally, Pakistan used Chinese aircraft and weapons during the May escalation with India, shooting down six Indian Rafale jets and damaging its S-400 air defense system. Pakistan’s surprising victory prompted global attention toward Chinese aircraft and military equipment. Following this event, Chinese defense exports increased, and the world began favoring Chinese weapons over French ones. China validated its aircraft globally through Pakistan. Moving forward, China and Pakistan are expected to collaborate more to achieve air superiority in the region.
The recent conflict with India demonstrated that Chinese aircraft and Pakistani pilots form a highly effective air force combination. Pakistani pilots are exceptionally well-trained, knowing their enemy is stronger in numbers and equipment. This training enables them to stand toe-to-toe with larger adversaries. China primarily supplies its aircraft to Pakistan because Pakistani pilots operate these planes effectively, which in turn increases the global demand for Chinese aircraft.
Pakistan’s Positive International Role After the War
Following its war with India, Pakistan began to boost its military power. The government took several steps to strengthen the armed forces, including a 20% increase in the defense budget and the creation of the ARFC. On the diplomatic front, Pakistan is working to improve its global image. A delegation led by Bilawal Bhutto visited various countries, presenting a softer image of Pakistan.
The government is also making progress in its relations with the United States. A nation’s post-war role reveals its level of responsibility in international and national affairs. Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts earned it significant support from around the world during and after the war. In contrast, India, once seen as a diplomatic success, only received open support from Israel during the war, and it remained isolated internationally after the war. This highlights India’s irresponsible behavior towards the international community.
Conclusion
Given Pakistan’s external and internal threats, a strong army is crucial. In a realist world, power dictates, and the international community praises economically and militarily powerful countries. However, weak states lack attention and support. Pakistan’s average relations with the United States before the war changed when it demonstrated military prowess, leading to international praise and recognition of the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), Tehreek Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and the Majeed Brigade as terrorists.
In contrast, Palestine, a weak state, has been ignored despite its genocide for years. Pakistan’s Army Rocket Force Command aims to show it is a peace-loving country, not weak. It has a competent army, weapons, missiles, and nuclear weapons, and India should not mistake Pakistan for Iran or Palestine. Pakistan, a responsible nuclear power, can ensure its nuclear safety, and India should consider this before attacking.
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The views and opinions expressed in this article/paper are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the editorial position of Paradigm Shift.
Ms Jaweria Naseem is currently pursuing her Bachelor's in International Relations from International Islamic University, Islamabad.
