Pakistan Creates Army Rocket Force to Strengthen Strike Capabilities

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Pakistan has established a new Army Rocket Force Command to oversee its missile systems. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced the formation during a ceremony in Islamabad on August 13, 2025, coinciding with Independence Day celebrations. The move is intended to manage the country’s conventional missile capabilities and improve operational oversight.

The Army Rocket Force Command will manage a range of missile systems, including ballistic and cruise missiles, with potential future integration of additional technologies. Officials state that the command is designed to enable Pakistan to conduct conventional missile operations without relying on nuclear weapons.

The decision follows observations from prior military exercises and operations. Pakistan’s armed forces noted the need for dedicated oversight of long-range missile capabilities, highlighting the purpose of a specialized command to ensure rapid deployment of missile systems. The new command is expected to manage operational readiness, coordinate missile deployment, and provide centralized oversight.

Military analysts have noted that the command may require updated training programs and operational procedures. Incorporating missile technologies will involve adjustments to training and operational management. Over time, the command will function as part of Pakistan’s conventional military structure.

Prime Minister Sharif stated that the command is part of the government’s defense modernization efforts. He emphasized that the initiative is intended to maintain readiness and capability within Pakistan’s armed forces. Military officials highlighted that the command will serve as a central authority for missile operations, providing guidance and operational control.

Officials also noted that successful integration of the command into existing structures will require investment in training, research, and development. The command will support operational planning and testing of missile systems as they are introduced.

In addition to operational purposes, the establishment of the Army Rocket Force Command reflects Pakistan’s effort to organize its conventional strike capabilities. By enhancing oversight of missile systems, the military aims to maintain preparedness for a range of operational scenarios without relying on nuclear options. Officials emphasized that the command is intended to provide structured operational management.

The formation of the Army Rocket Force Command represents a formal restructuring of conventional missile oversight. It provides centralized management of missile systems, contributes to operational readiness, and integrates lessons from prior exercises into Pakistan’s conventional military operations. By establishing specialized oversight for missile systems, Pakistan creates a structured approach to managing conventional strike capabilities within its military framework.