Pakistan to launch new army rocket force after India clashes

Pakistan has announced the creation of a new military unit, the Army Rocket Force, aimed at overseeing missile capabilities in the event of a conventional conflict, in what officials suggest is a move to counter its regional rival, India.

On August 13, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif unveiled the force during a ceremony in Islamabad marking one of the worst clashes with India in decades, just a day before Pakistan’s 78th Independence Day, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

“It will be equipped with modern technology,” Sharif said, describing the force as a milestone in strengthening the combat readiness of the Pakistani army. He did not provide further operational details.

A senior security official noted that the force will operate under its command, responsible for missile deployment during any conventional war, adding: “It is obvious that it is meant for India.”

The announcement comes against a backdrop of longstanding rivalry between the two nuclear-armed neighbours, who have steadily upgraded their military capabilities since gaining independence in 1947.

Tensions flared in April following the killing of 26 civilians in Indian-administered Kashmir, which New Delhi attributed to Pakistan, a claim Islamabad denied.

In May, the countries engaged in their most serious exchange of fire in years, involving missiles, drones, and fighter jets, before a ceasefire was declared, reportedly mediated by U.S. President Donald Trump.

While Islamabad acknowledges Washington’s role, India maintains the agreement was reached directly between the two militaries.

By Aghakazim Guliyev