Iran's use of ballistic missiles to cause widespread destruction across West Asia has demonstrated the expanded nature of these weapons and the difficulty for most air defense systems to intercept projectiles hurtling at hypersonic speeds. The inability of Ukraine to intercept the Russian Oreshnik missile further solidifies the role of tactical ballistic missiles as an effective warfighting tool. These developments have sparked debate in India about creating a dedicated Rocket Force, a proposal that Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi himself announced earlier this year during his annual press conference.
Functions of a Rocket Force
A rocket force can perform multiple functions, such as providing conventional deterrence through precision firepower, enabling deep strikes with long-range vectors, and reinforcing frontline troops with additional firepower. Pakistan’s Rocket Force aims to plug gaps in conventional deterrence exposed during Operation Sindoor. China and Russia also have their own rocket forces.
India's Proposed Arsenal
India’s Rocket Force will derive its strength from a carefully chosen mix of missile systems that complement each other and provide layered tactical capabilities, outside the realm of nuclear payloads. The Pralay missile offers a short-range, quasi-ballistic option designed for precision strikes against tactical targets. Its ability to evade interception and deliver conventional warheads makes it a credible deterrent against immediate threats along the borders. BrahMos, with its supersonic speed and versatility, adds a deep-strike dimension. Capable of hitting land and maritime targets at extended ranges, it ensures India can project power far beyond the frontline and complicate adversary planning.
Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launchers provide saturation firepower for battlefield dominance. Their rapid-fire capability and extended ranges make them ideal for hitting targets closer to the battlefield. Variants of the Pinaka have a range of up to 120 km, making it the least expensive option among the systems. The Long-Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LR-LACM) will further expand India’s reach. With subsonic endurance and precision guidance, it will allow strikes deep into adversary territory, complementing BrahMos by offering flexibility in payloads and trajectories.
Layered Arsenal
Together, these systems create a layered arsenal that balances deterrence, deep-strike capability, while reinforcing other firepower assets. The proposed Rocket Force represents a significant shift in India's military strategy, adapting to modern warfare where ballistic missiles play an increasingly central role.
