What's Happening?
India is planning to establish an Integrated Rocket Force (IRF) to manage and expand its non-nuclear missile capabilities in response to China's growing ballistic missile arsenal. The IRF aims to address conventional war-fighting asymmetries with China,
allowing India to engage militarily along the Sino-Indian border without escalating to nuclear conflict. However, the IRF, first proposed in 2021, has yet to materialize, and concerns persist about its ability to match China's missile capabilities. The IRF would be a joint army-navy-air force organization, responsible for conventional rockets, while India's ICBMs and IRBMs remain under the Strategic Forces Command. The IRF's arsenal would include various missiles, but their range is limited compared to China's, which can strike deep within India. The delay in establishing the IRF raises questions about India's ability to effectively counter Chinese missile threats.
Why It's Important?
The development of India's IRF is crucial for maintaining regional security and balance of power in Asia. China's missile capabilities pose a significant threat not only to India but also to other countries like Taiwan and the U.S., which fear missile attacks on key bases. For India, the IRF is essential to counter potential Chinese aggression along the disputed Sino-Indian border. Without the IRF, India may face challenges in coordinating its missile capabilities and responding effectively to military hostilities. The situation also impacts India's strategic relationship with Pakistan, which has announced its own Army Rocket Force in response to India's IRF plans. The establishment of the IRF is vital for India to enhance its conventional military strength and deter potential conflicts with China.
What's Next?
India must overcome internal challenges, such as inter-service rivalry, to successfully establish the IRF. The country may need to develop longer-range missiles and coordinate its non-strategic missile capabilities to effectively counter Chinese threats. The IRF's progress will be closely monitored by regional powers, including Pakistan, which may adjust its military strategies in response. The potential for conventional missile exchanges between nuclear-armed nations like India and China raises concerns about escalation to nuclear conflict. India will need to ensure that the IRF can effectively deter low-level skirmishes along the Line of Actual Control with China.
Beyond the Headlines
The establishment of the IRF highlights the complex security dynamics in Asia, where missile capabilities play a crucial role in deterrence and power projection. The situation underscores the importance of strategic military planning and international diplomacy to prevent escalation and maintain regional stability. The IRF's development may also influence global arms control discussions and efforts to limit missile proliferation.
