Pakistan’s Army Rocket Force: Expanding Conventional Deterrence

Islamabad — Pakistan’s defense landscape has entered a new era with the establishment and steady expansion of the Army Rocket Force (ARF), a specialized command dedicated to enhancing the country’s conventional deterrence.

Background of the Army Rocket Force

Formally unveiled in 2024, the Army Rocket Force was created to integrate Pakistan’s growing inventory of indigenous missile and rocket systems under a unified command. This structure allows for better training, deployment, and operational readiness in modern battlefield environments.

Capabilities and Systems

The Army Rocket Force is spearheading the induction of advanced missile systems, including:

Fatah Series Missiles: Ground-Launched Cruise Missiles (GLCM) like Fatah-1, Fatah-2, and Fatah-4, offering precision strike capability with ranges from 140 km to 750 km.
Tactical Ballistic Systems: Short to medium-range ballistic missiles designed to counter evolving threats and enhance Pakistan’s conventional strike options.
Advanced Avionics & Terrain-Hugging Technology: Ensuring survivability, precision, and lethality against adversary defenses.

Conventional Deterrence Beyond Nuclear Reliance

Traditionally, Pakistan’s deterrence posture has relied heavily on its nuclear arsenal. The creation of the Army Rocket Force signals a shift towards conventional deterrence, ensuring that Pakistan has credible options in limited or sub-conventional conflicts without immediate nuclear escalation.

Strategic Significance

Military experts note that the Army Rocket Force will:

Expand Pakistan’s ability to engage targets deep inside hostile territory with precision.
Reduce over-reliance on nuclear weapons for deterrence.
Provide a flexible response framework against emerging regional threats.
Strengthen Pakistan’s position in the South Asian strategic balance.

The Road Ahead

With systems like the Fatah-4 entering service, the Army Rocket Force is set to become a critical pillar of Pakistan’s defense structure. Its growth reflects Islamabad’s determination to maintain a credible, modern, and diversified deterrent capability in an evolving security environment.