*By- Qaiser Bashir Makhdoom *
*Dedicated precision-strike arm, backed by the newly unveiled Fatah-4cruise missile, signals a major doctrinal shift in Pakistan’s militaryposture.*
On August 13, 2025, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif officially announced theestablishment of the Army Rocket Force Command (ARFC) — a groundbreakingnew element within the Pakistan Army aimed at centralizing and elevatingits conventional missile strike capability.
This initiative marks the culmination of several years of strategicdevelopment, transforming precision-strike efforts from mere doctrine intoa fully organized command with its own command structure, concept ofoperations, requirements, and objectives. The ARFC is expected to functionas a corps-level entity reporting directly to the Chief of Army Staff,bearing structural similarities to the Chinese PLA Rocket Force in terms ofautonomy and operational scope.
The announcement coincided with the public unveiling of the Fatah-4, anext-generation ground-launched subsonic cruise missile boasting animpressive range of over 750 km. With a high-precision circular errorprobable (CEP) of around five meters, terrain-hugging flight capability,and advanced resistance to jamming, the Fatah-4 significantly extendsPakistan’s reach in conventional strike operations.——————————From Fatah-I to Fatah-4: Expanding the Strike Envelope
Pakistan’s journey toward independent strike capability began with theFatah-I guided multiple-launch rocket system, tested in early 2021 with arange of 140 km. This was followed by the Fatah-II in 2023, operational by2024, offering an extended range of around 400 km, enhanced accuracy, andimproved navigation systems.
These advancements paved the way for the Fatah-4, which moves beyond theartillery paradigm into the realm of deep-strike capability. With mobility,precision, and survivability, it enables the Army to engage high-valuetargets far inside adversary territory.——————————ARFC: From Tactical Support to Strategic Impact
The ARFC represents a fundamental shift in doctrine — moving from guidedartillery’s role in supporting ground maneuvers to operating as aconventionally focused strategic strike force. Instead of simplyneutralizing entrenched enemy positions, its mission includes degrading airdefenses, threatening air bases, disrupting logistics hubs, and targetingcommand infrastructure to shape the overall battlefield outcome.
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This evolution draws from recent global conflicts, particularly Ukraine’sorganized use of long-range rocket forces, and reflects the Pakistan AirForce’s own expansion into strategic strike roles. Together, they signal abroader shift in Pakistan’s defense posture from reactive defense toproactive deterrence.——————————Strategic Implications
The creation of the ARFC offers Pakistan a cost-effective asymmetricescalation tool, blurring the lines between tactical and strategicoperations without crossing the nuclear threshold. By consolidating guidedrockets, cruise missiles, and potentially short-range ballistic missilesunder one command, Pakistan gains the ability to deliver rapid, massedprecision strikes while maintaining operational flexibility.
This new capability is likely to influence regional security dynamics,potentially compelling India to reassess its air and missile defensestrategies.
The establishment of the Army Rocket Force Command and induction of theFatah-4 marks a significant leap in Pakistan’s conventional strikecapabilities. What began with short-range rocket artillery has matured intoa sophisticated, centralized missile force designed not just forbattlefield support, but for achieving broader strategic outcomes.
Pakistan now joins a select group of nations possessing a dedicated rocketcommand — a step that could reshape South Asia’s military balance in theyears ahead.