India Must Build a Dedicated Rocket–Missile Force Amid China–Pakistan Preparations: Army Chief
New Delhi: Against the backdrop of heightened military preparedness by China and Pakistan, Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi has underlined the urgent need for India to establish a dedicated rocket–missile force capable of delivering swift, precise, and deep-strike firepower.
Addressing his annual press conference ahead of Indian Army Day, General Dwivedi said India now requires an integrated force that combines both rockets and missiles under a unified command structure.
He pointed out that both China and Pakistan have already operationalised such specialised forces, making it imperative for India to move decisively in the same direction.
In the current strategic environment, a rocket–missile force is no longer optional—it is a necessity.
The government agrees with this assessment. The key decision now is whether this force should function within the Army or be placed directly under the Ministry of Defence,” the Army Chief said.
Boosting Long-Range Strike Capabilities
General Dwivedi highlighted that India is steadily strengthening its long-range strike arsenal.
The Pinaka multi-barrel rocket system, with an operational range of up to 120 kilometres, is being continuously upgraded, while advanced systems such as Pralay and other indigenous rocket and missile platforms are under active development.
These capabilities, he said, will play a decisive role in future warfare, especially in scenarios demanding rapid retaliation and precision strikes across varied terrains.
Post-Operation Reforms and Integrated Battle Groups
Reflecting on operational lessons learned after Operation Sindoor, the Army Chief revealed that several structural and doctrinal changes have been introduced.
One of the most significant reforms is the approval for forming Integrated Battle Groups (IBGs)—compact, agile combat formations designed for swift deployment.
Each IBG will bring together 16 Army units, commanded by a Major General, with tailored operational guidelines currently being finalised to suit different theatres of conflict.
New Combat Brigades for Future Wars
To further enhance combat readiness, the Army is in the process of raising new specialised formations, including Bhairav, Shaktimaan, Divyastra, and Rudra Brigades.
These units are being designed to meet the demands of next-generation warfare, combining mobility, firepower, and advanced technology.
In parallel, the Training Command is being expanded, and troop deployment patterns are being reworked to ensure faster response times and greater battlefield flexibility.
Strengthening Air Defence and Counter-Drone Measures
Addressing the growing drone threat, General Dwivedi said the Army is significantly reinforcing its air defence systems.
Small, advanced radars are being deployed to detect low-flying drones, and specialised techno-commanders are being trained to counter emerging aerial threats.
He disclosed that nearly 10,000 drones are currently active along the Pakistan border, posing a persistent security challenge. Since Saturday alone, at least eight drones have been spotted near Indian territory.
Firm Message to Pakistan on Drone Intrusions
The Army Chief confirmed that India has issued a clear warning to Pakistan to immediately halt drone intrusions.
The issue was directly raised during a telephonic conversation between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of the two countries on Tuesday.
Call for Strong Leadership, Including Women Officers
Emphasising the role of leadership, General Dwivedi stressed the importance of strong women officers in the Army, symbolising resilience and courage.
“The Army needs women leaders who embody strength and resolve—like the fierce form of Goddess Kali,” he remarked.
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