Iran's use of ballistic missiles to inflict widespread destruction across West Asia has demonstrated the expanding role of such weapons and underscored the challenges faced by air defence systems in intercepting projectiles descending at hypersonic speeds. The inability of Ukraine to intercept Russia's Oreshnik missile has further strengthened the argument that tactical ballistic missiles remain highly effective instruments of modern warfare.
These developments have renewed debate in India regarding the establishment of a dedicated Rocket Force, an initiative publicly acknowledged earlier this year by Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi during his annual press conference. The proposed force is expected to serve multiple roles, including providing conventional deterrence through precision firepower, conducting deep strikes using long-range weapons, and reinforcing frontline formations with additional offensive capabilities.
Pakistan's Rocket Force has been designed to address gaps in conventional deterrence that were exposed during Operation Sindoor. China and Russia also maintain dedicated rocket forces, highlighting the growing importance of such formations in contemporary military strategy.
India's planned Rocket Force is expected to derive its strength from a carefully selected mix of missile systems designed to complement one another while remaining outside the domain of nuclear payload delivery. The Pralay missile would provide a short-range, quasi-ballistic capability tailored for precision attacks against tactical targets. Its ability to evade interception while carrying conventional warheads makes it a significant deterrent against immediate threats along the borders.
The BrahMos missile, known for its supersonic speed and versatility, would add a deep-strike capability. Capable of engaging both land and maritime targets at extended ranges, it would enable India to project power far beyond the frontline and complicate enemy operational planning.
The Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher system would provide saturation firepower to ensure battlefield dominance. Its rapid-fire capability and extended range make it suitable for engaging targets closer to the battlefield. Variants of the Pinaka system are capable of striking targets at distances of up to 120 kilometres, making it the most economical option among the available systems.
The Long-Range Land Attack Cruise Missile, or LR-LACM, is expected to further enhance India's strike capabilities. Featuring subsonic endurance and precision guidance, the missile would allow attacks deep inside enemy territory while complementing the BrahMos missile by offering greater flexibility in payload configurations and flight trajectories.
Together, these systems are expected to create a layered arsenal that balances conventional deterrence with deep-strike capabilities while reinforcing existing firepower assets. As missile warfare increasingly shapes modern conflicts, the proposed Rocket Force could mark a significant transformation in India's military doctrine and long-range strike capabilities.
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