Context

Recently, Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi underlined the urgent need for India to create a unified Rocket–Missile Force, emphasising that modern warfare increasingly demands integrated and precision-based strike capabilities.

What is a Rocket Force?

A Rocket Force is a specialised military command responsible for:

• Long-range rocket artillery and missile systems
• Planning, command, control, and execution of precision strikes
• Targeting enemy command centres, airbases, logistics hubs, and strategic infrastructure

Key Features

• Centralised command and control over rockets and missile assets
• Stand-off strike capability, reducing exposure of frontline troops
• Use of advanced guidance systems such as GPS, radar, and infrared sensors
• Capability to conduct deep strikes beyond enemy frontlines
• Integration with joint operations involving the Army, Navy, and Air Force

Such forces enable strikes to be executed from secure command centres, minimising casualties while maximising operational impact.

Why Modern Warfare Demands a Rocket–Missile Force

Modern warfare has moved beyond the traditional dominance of tank–artillery–infantry formations.

Changing Nature of Warfare

• Greater emphasis on precision, speed, and long-range firepower
• Reduced reliance on large-scale troop deployments
• Increasing role of missiles, rockets, drones, and cyber-enabled targeting
• Distance no longer guarantees safety for military bases or strategic infrastructure

Recent global conflicts have demonstrated that missile systems can strike targets 400–450 km away with high accuracy, fundamentally reshaping deterrence and response strategies.

Strategic Rationale for India

Two-Front Security Challenge

• Both Pakistan and China operate dedicated rocket or missile forces
• China established the PLA Rocket Force in 2015
• Pakistan announced its Army Rocket Force Command in August 2025, reportedly modelled on China’s structure

Lessons from Recent Operations

During Operation Sindoor, India demonstrated credible missile strike capabilities:

• BrahMos missiles were reportedly used against Pakistani airbases
• Damage was reported at 10–11 airbases
• The operation showcased India’s capacity for precise, high-impact stand-off strikes

India’s Existing Capabilities

India already possesses robust rocket and missile systems, including:

• Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket System
• Tested range of up to 120 km
• Planned upgrades to 150 km
• Long-term development goals extending to 300–450 km
• Pralay tactical ballistic missile
• BrahMos supersonic cruise missile

While these systems provide strong deterrence and stand-off capabilities, they currently operate under separate command structures, limiting full operational synergy.

Advantages of a Unified Rocket–Missile Force

• Integrated planning and coordinated execution of strikes
• Faster decision-making and reduced response times
• Optimal utilisation of precision-guided munitions
• Enhanced deterrence posture against adversaries
• Reduced casualties among ground forces
• Improved preparedness for both high-intensity and limited-conflict scenarios

Conclusion

The Indian Army Chief’s call for a Unified Rocket–Missile Force reflects a pragmatic assessment of evolving warfare and India’s complex security environment. With both Pakistan and China already operating dedicated rocket forces, the creation of such a command is no longer merely aspirational but strategically necessary. A well-structured Rocket–Missile Force would significantly enhance India’s deterrence capability, reduce battlefield risks, and align the country’s military posture with the realities of 21st-century warfare.