India's Chief of the Army Staff, General Upendra Dwivedi, has outlined ambitious plans to bolster the nation's defence capabilities amid evolving security challenges. Speaking at a press conference in Delhi, he emphasised the urgent need for a dedicated rocket missile force, drawing parallels with similar formations in Pakistan and China.

General Dwivedi underscored that rockets and missiles have become inextricably linked in modern warfare, both capable of delivering devastating impacts. "We need a missile force," he stated, highlighting the imperative for India to establish its own to match regional adversaries. Pakistan's rocket force and China's established capabilities underscore the strategic necessity driving this initiative.

The Army Chief pointed to recent successes in indigenous missile systems as a strong foundation for this expansion.

He referenced the successful testing of the Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher, the Pralay tactical ballistic missile, and the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile. These developments signal India's growing prowess in precision strike capabilities.

Further contracts have been inked to extend operational ranges significantly. Initial efforts target rockets with reaches up to 150 kilometres, with future iterations poised to stretch to 300-450 kilometres. This phased enhancement aims to provide the Indian Army with flexible, long-range fire support across diverse terrains.

Shifting focus to unmanned systems, General Dwivedi revealed a nationwide push for drone manufacturing. Every Indian Army command has either produced or is producing 5,000 drones, far beyond rudimentary surveillance models. These platforms have undergone test-flights extending to approximately 100 kilometres, with plans underway to amplify their endurance and reach.

This drone proliferation aligns with broader self-reliance goals under the 'Aatmanirbhar' banner. By indigenising production at the command level, the Army reduces dependency on imports and accelerates deployment. Such scalability positions India to counter drone swarms and integrate them into conventional operations seamlessly.

General Dwivedi expressed deep satisfaction with defence progress throughout 2025. He attributed this to multifaceted initiatives, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'JAI — Jointness, Aatmanirbhar, Innovation' clarion call in September 2025. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's declaration of the year as one of reforms in January further catalysed these strides.

The Indian Army's 'decade of transformation' has complemented these high-level directives. Jointness among services fosters integrated operations, while innovation drives technological leaps. Aatmanirbhar principles ensure domestic industry plays a pivotal role, from DRDO laboratories to private sector partners like HAL and TATA Advanced Systems.

These announcements come against a backdrop of heightened border tensions and regional arms races. Pakistan's rocket artillery brigades and China's hypersonic advancements necessitate proactive measures. India's response emphasises precision, range, and volume, potentially reshaping South Asian deterrence dynamics.

The rocket missile force concept evokes global precedents, such as Russia's Rocket Forces or the US Army's missile commands. For India, integration with existing assets like Agni and Prithvi series could yield a potent triad of tactical, operational, and strategic fires. Pinaka's evolution from 40 km to extended variants exemplifies this maturation.

Drone ambitions reflect lessons from recent conflicts, including Ukraine, where loitering munitions and long-range UAVs proved decisive. India's 5,000-unit-per-command target suggests swarm tactics and saturation strikes, enhancing infantry support and deep reconnaissance. Range extensions to beyond 100 km could enable strikes on high-value targets without risking manned assets.

Infrastructure enhancements in 2025 have underpinned these capabilities. Border airfields, missile storage depots, and drone assembly hubs have proliferated, particularly along the LAC and LoC. Contracts for 150 km systems, likely building on Pinaka ER and Pralay, indicate imminent fielding, with 300-450 km variants possibly incorporating BrahMos derivatives or new guided rockets.

Prime Minister Modi's Jointness, Atmanirbharta, and Innovation (JAI) framework promotes tri-service synergy, vital for theatre commands. Aatmanirbhar has spurred over 75% indigenous content in new procurements, reducing vulnerabilities exposed by past supply disruptions. Innovation hubs within commands foster grassroots R&D, mirroring global trends in defence start-ups.

General Dwivedi's vision positions the Indian Army as a technology-led force by 2030. A rocket missile force would centralise command of non-nuclear precision fires, streamlining logistics and training. Coupled with drone ubiquity, it promises layered defence, from tactical loiters to strategic barrages.

Challenges remain, including integration with IAF assets and cyber-resilient command networks. Yet, 2025's momentum—evident in trials and contracts—instils confidence. As India navigates multi-domain warfare, these steps affirm its resolve to secure strategic autonomy.

This action plan not only addresses immediate threats but also lays groundwork for next-generation systems. Hypersonic rockets, AI-guided swarms, and extended BrahMos variants loom on the horizon, ensuring India stays ahead in an assertive neighbourhood.

Agencies