Pakistan announces new rocket force after Operation Sindoor: 'Obvious that it's meant for India'

Pakistan prime minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced the creation of an Army Rocket Force on the eve of the country's Independence Day as the country looks to ramp up its missile combat capabilities to match those of India.

The announcement comes after Pakistan suffered heavy damage from Indian missiles during the four-day military conflict after Operation Sindoor.

Sharif said the new force will be equipped with modern technology and prove to be a milestone in strengthening the combat capability of Pakistan's army.

Reuters quoted a senior security official as saying that the force will have its own command in the military which will be dedicated to handling and deployment of missiles in any event of a conventional war.

"It is obvious that it is meant for India," the official added.

India's superior S-400 surface-to-air system successfully intercepted and took down Pakistani missiles during the military conflict in May.

Pakistan's missile systems are considered inferior to India’s due to the latter's wider range, superior technology and advanced missile defence capabilities.

India’s Agni-V intercontinental ballistic missile (range over 5,000km) and the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile (up to Mach 3, with plans for a hypersonic version) have no direct equivalents in Pakistan’s arsenal.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s longest-range missiles, like the Shaheen-III (2,750km) and Ababeel (2,200km, MIRV capability still unproven) fall short on range, speed and versatility compared to India’s more missile inventory.

India used the BrahMos missiles to target the strategic Pakistani air bases during the military conflict, which eventually marked the turning point in the hostilities.