Pakistan’s New Rocket Force Command Inspired by China’s PLARF: A Threat to India?
In recent weeks, reports have emerged that Pakistan has announced the formation of a new “Army Rocket Force Command” inspired by the People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force (PLARF) of China. The move has raised eyebrows in strategic circles across South Asia and beyond, especially in India, which is Pakistan’s primary security concern and the most likely target of any such military modernization.
This development signals Pakistan’s ambition to expand its missile and rocket capabilities by institutionalizing them into a separate command, much like China did in 2015 when it reorganized its missile corps into the PLARF. But the key question is: Is this a real threat to India? Or is it more of a symbolic show of strength backed by Chinese support?
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What is Pakistan’s Rocket Force Command?
Pakistan’s newly announced Rocket Force Command is expected to serve as a centralized unit under the Pakistan Army that focuses specifically on strategic rockets, long-range missiles, and artillery modernization.
Traditionally, Pakistan’s missile program has been run under the Strategic Plans Division (SPD), which controls nuclear assets and ballistic missiles such as Shaheen, Ghauri, and Ababeel. However, with the new command, Pakistan seems to be taking inspiration from China’s PLARF to establish an independent institutional command for conventional and possibly tactical nuclear missiles.
Objectives of the Rocket Force Command
1. Enhance deterrence against India – Pakistan fears India’s growing missile defense systems like S-400 and indigenous BMD programs.
2. Centralize missile operations – A separate command ensures streamlined control and readiness.
3. Chinese-style modernization – China’s PLARF plays a dual role in conventional and nuclear deterrence. Pakistan may aim for a similar dual-use structure.
4. Psychological warfare – Announcing such a force projects an image of military parity with India.
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China’s Role in Shaping Pakistan’s Strategy
It is no secret that Pakistan’s military modernization heavily depends on Chinese military technology and strategic guidance. The China-Pakistan partnership, often termed as “iron brothers,” has seen deep defense cooperation in missiles, drones, and nuclear technology.
China’s PLARF is considered one of the most advanced missile forces in the world, with DF-21, DF-26, and DF-41 missiles capable of striking targets thousands of kilometers away. Pakistan, of course, lacks the resources to replicate China’s scale, but it is likely adopting the organizational model with Chinese guidance.
Some analysts suggest that Beijing may be quietly encouraging Islamabad to adopt this model to increase pressure on India, especially as India strengthens its role in the Quad alliance with the US, Japan, and Australia.
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Why is India Concerned?
India cannot ignore this development, because Pakistan’s new Rocket Force Command represents more than just a military reorganization. It indicates:
1. A Focus on Tactical Nuclear Weapons – Pakistan has already developed the Nasr missile, a short-range tactical nuclear missile meant to counter India’s “Cold Start Doctrine.” A dedicated rocket force could further integrate these weapons into conventional strategy.
2. Faster Deployment of Missiles – With a specialized command, missile deployment can be faster and more coordinated.
3. Psychological Pressure – By mimicking China’s PLARF, Pakistan signals to India that it is not lagging in strategic modernization.
4. Potential China-Pakistan Coordination – In a worst-case scenario, Pakistan’s Rocket Force could align with Chinese missile strategies, creating a two-front pressure on India.
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India’s Military Superiority Still Intact
Despite Pakistan’s announcement, India continues to enjoy overwhelming military superiority in both conventional and strategic domains.
India’s Missile Arsenal
Agni Series: India’s long-range nuclear-capable missiles, with Agni-V capable of striking over 5,000 km.
Prithvi Missiles: Short-range ballistic missiles.
BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missile: Jointly developed with Russia, capable of precision strikes.
Nirbhay Cruise Missile: Long-range subsonic cruise missile under development.
Missile Defense
India is one of the few countries actively developing a Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) system, coupled with the induction of Russian S-400 Triumf air defense systems. These capabilities significantly reduce the effectiveness of Pakistan’s missile threat.
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Pakistan’s Real Motive Behind Rocket Force
Pakistan’s decision may not be purely military but also political and psychological:
1. Domestic Signaling – At a time when Pakistan is facing economic crisis, IMF dependency, and internal instability, a military announcement boosts national morale.
2. Strategic Messaging to India – Pakistan wants to remind India that despite its economic problems, it remains militarily relevant.
3. Appeasing China – By copying China’s PLARF structure, Pakistan strengthens its defense ties with Beijing.
4. International Bargaining Tool – Pakistan often uses its missile program as leverage in international negotiations.
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What Should India Do?
India must not underestimate the development, but neither should it overreact. The most effective response would be a measured multi-pronged strategy:
1. Strengthen Missile Defense
Continue deployment of S-400 systems and accelerate development of indigenous BMD technology to neutralize Pakistan’s tactical threats.
2. Enhance Deterrence
India should continue to upgrade its Agni-V and Agni-VI programs, ensuring credible long-range deterrence.
3. Expand Conventional Superiority
A strong conventional edge ensures that Pakistan does not miscalculate with tactical nuclear use. India’s modernization of the Air Force, Navy, and Army should remain a priority.
4. Strategic Diplomacy
Highlight Pakistan’s missile expansion in international forums to expose its China-backed proliferation and gain diplomatic leverage.
5. Focus on Two-Front Preparedness
Since Pakistan’s model mirrors China’s PLARF, India must prepare for coordinated pressure from both China and Pakistan, especially along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and Line of Control (LoC).
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Conclusion: A Symbolic Move or a Real Threat?
Pakistan’s announcement of a new Rocket Force Command inspired by China’s PLARF is certainly significant. It shows Islamabad’s intent to project strength and align its military strategy closer to Beijing. However, the actual effectiveness of this force will depend on Pakistan’s economic capacity, technological resources, and Chinese assistance.
For India, the move should be seen as a wake-up call to stay vigilant and modernize further, but not as an existential threat. India’s superior missile arsenal, growing defense industry, and missile defense systems ensure that Pakistan’s Rocket Force will remain more of a psychological weapon than a decisive game-changer.
In the larger picture, Pakistan’s new command reflects the China-Pakistan axis trying to counterbalance India’s rise as a global power. For New Delhi, the best response lies in a combination of military modernization, diplomatic engagement, and strategic deterrence.
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