Why is Pakistan establishing this new "Rocket Force Command"?
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Strategic response to recent conflict: After the intense India-Pakistan conflict in May 2025—referred to in Pakistan as Marka-i-Haq ("Battle of Truth")—Pakistan recognized gaps in its long-range conventional strike capabilities. The new command intends to fill that void.Army RecognitionDawn+1Wikipedia
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Centralizing missile control: Previously, Pakistan’s missile systems were split across different structures and integrated with nuclear command under the Strategic Plans Division. The ARFC consolidates conventional missile assets—like ballistic, cruise, and hypersonic missiles—under a single command for faster, more precise deployment.Army RecognitionAaj English TVEURASIAN TIMES
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Deep conventional strike capacity: The ARFC is designed specifically for non-nuclear warfare. It enables Pakistan to strike deep into enemy territory without escalating to nuclear deterrence.DawnAaj English TVThePrint
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Inspired by global trends: This move mirrors similar developments in other countries—particularly China’s dedicated missile branch—and is also seen in Iran, Russia, and North Korea.DawnAaj English TVThe NationWikipedia
Who will run and oversee this new force?
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Command structure: The ARFC is part of the Pakistan Army, likely structured as a corps-level command, led by a lieutenant general who reports directly to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS).Aaj English TVIndia TodayEURASIAN TIMES
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Separate from nuclear force: The Army Strategic Forces Command (ASFC) continues to manage nuclear-capable missiles under the Strategic Plans Division (SPD), while the ARFC focuses solely on conventional capabilities.Army RecognitionWikipediaEURASIAN TIMES
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Operational independence: ARFC is administratively under the SPD for oversight, but is operationally autonomous, allowing quicker decision-making in conventional war scenarios.Aaj English TVEURASIAN TIMES
Countries with similar “Rocket Force Command” structures
Pakistan is joining a small group of nations that have specific command structures dedicated to missile operations:
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China: The People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force (PLARF) is a fully-fledged branch of the PLA, controlling land-based ballistic, cruise, and hypersonic missiles—both conventional and nuclear.Wikipedia
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Iran: Iran operates a missile-centric structure, demonstrated recently during conflicts with Israel.DawnThe Nation
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Russia & North Korea: Both also have specialized rocket or missile command structures.Aaj English TV
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India: Though still in the proposal stage, India is considering an Integrated Rocket Force (IRF) to unify conventional missile systems across the army, navy, and air force.Wikipedia
Summary Table: Countries with Rocket Force-style Commands
| Country | Command Name / Structure | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| China | PLA Rocket Force (PLARF) | Nuclear & conventional |
| Pakistan | Army Rocket Force Command (ARFC) | Conventional missile warfare |
| Iran | Missile force command (unnamed) | Long-range conventional strikes |
| Russia | Strategic Rocket Forces | Nuclear & conventional |
| North Korea | Missile command structure (unnamed) | Missile operations |
| India | Proposed Integrated Rocket Force (IRF) | Conventional missiles |
Final Word
Pakistan’s Army Rocket Force Command marks a strategic doctrinal shift—moving its missile capabilities out of nuclear entanglement and into a dedicated conventional force. Modeled after examples like China's PLARF, this change enhances rapid response, precision, and deterrence in high-intensity conventional warfare—especially in the context of India.
Let me know if you’d like a detailed dive into any component: the new force structure, its missile systems (e.g., Fatah-IV, Babur, Shaheen), command hierarchy, or comparisons with other countries’ doctrines.
What Did the White House Say?
In a speech at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in December 2024, Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer warned that Pakistan is pursuing “increasingly sophisticated missile technology,” including long-range ballistic missiles and large rocket motors that could potentially allow it to “strike targets well beyond South Asia, including the United States.” He called it an “emerging threat” to the U.S. homeland ReutersVoice of America.
Following these remarks, the U.S. imposed sanctions targeting four Pakistani entities, including the state-run National Development Complex, which is involved in the development of ballistic missile systems Arms Control AssociationCSISState Department.
What Does the U.S. Intelligence Say?
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U.S. senior officials have assessed that Pakistan’s capability to field long-range ballistic missiles—including possible ICBMs—was still several years to a decade away as of early 2025 Arms Control AssociationCSIS.
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In June 2025, U.S. intelligence reportedly identified efforts within Pakistan to actively develop a nuclear-armed intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capable of reaching the continental United States. This marks a notable escalation in concern The Times of IndiaThe Economic Times.
Pakistan’s Response
Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry rejected the U.S. assessment as “unfounded” and “devoid of rationality,” insisting that its missile and nuclear programs are designed solely to defend sovereignty and ensure regional peace—specifically in the South Asia context with India, not against the U.S. Voice of AmericaWall Street Journal.
What Do Analysts Say?
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Some analysts suggest that developments like larger rocket motors could also be intended for intermediate-range missiles or space-launch vehicles, not necessarily for striking the U.S. CSISWall Street Journal.
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Strategically, as the U.S. strengthens ties with India, Pakistan might feel pressure to expand its deterrent—not necessarily targeting the U.S., but ensuring against potential future U.S.–India alignment Wall Street JournalCSIS.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| White House Warning | In December 2024, Jon Finer warned of Pakistan’s missile development potentially allowing strikes on the U.S. |
| Sanctions | Sanctions targeting entities like the National Development Complex followed. |
| Threat Timeline | U.S. assessments in early 2025 still put capability several years to a decade away. |
| Recent Intelligence | Reports from mid-2025 suggest active ICBM development. |
| Pakistan’s Position | Denies any hostile intent; says programs are deterrent-focused. |
| Analyst Views | Some capabilities may have alternative purposes; geopolitical context is shifting. |
Bottom Line
Yes—according to a senior U.S. official (Jon Finer), Pakistan's missile program could eventually include long-range systems capable of reaching the U.S. However, as of early 2025, that capability was projected to be years away. By mid-2025, reports emerged indicating that Pakistan might be actively developing an ICBM that could reach continental U.S.—a development raising alarm in Washington.
Pakistan, for its part, insists its strategic programs remain focused on defense and deterrence, not targeting the U.S. The situation reflects a changing strategic landscape in South Asia, influenced by evolving U.S.–India–Pakistan–China dynamics.