Army Rocket Force: what we know

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s armed forces have been tasked with forming a new “Army Rocket Force” to enhance the country’s conventional missile combat capabilities against arch-rival India, following the four-day war in May, the worst in decades.

Chinese commercial rocket fails in flight test

The announcement was made by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during a grand ceremony at Jinnah Sports Complex on Wednesday evening, held to mark Pakistan’s Independence Day and commemorate Marka-i-Haq.

Army Rocket Force

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the Army Rocket Force will oversee missile combat operations in a conventional conflict, aiming to foil India’s capabilities.

“The force will be equipped with modern technology,” PM Sharif said, while Shehbaz elaborated that it would be “capable of targeting the enemy squarely.”

It will serve as “yet another milestone in strengthening Pakistan’s conventional war capability.”

Z-10ME Attack Helicopter Induction

Earlier, Pakistan has also formally inducted Chinese-made Z-10ME attack helicopter, also known Z-10, into the Pakistan Army Aviation Corp.

This marked the apparent success of a decade-long effort to replace ageing Bell AH-1F/S Cobra helicopters with modern aircraft.

The Z-10ME is designed for close air support, anti-tank missions, and limited air-to-air combat, placing it in the same tactical class as India’s AH-64E Apache Guardians.

Marka-i-Haq

The term, meaning “Battle of Truth,” emerged during the recent four-day conflict with India, when Pakistan responded forcefully to Indian actions before a ceasefire was reached on May 10.

78th Independence Day

Meanwhile, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Field Marshal Asim Munir has been awarded the Hilal-e-Jurat in recognition of his exceptional leadership of the Pakistan Army during extremely challenging circumstances at an investiture ceremony held on Independence Day.

President Asif Ali Zardari conferred top civil and military honours on individuals for their outstanding services in various fields on Independence Day. The ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, all provincial chief ministers, the three services chiefs and other ministers.