The government made clear last year that it intended to establish CRFs. The three services would currently be in the process of deciding on this organization’s structure. Based on available information, the force is most likely going to be a tri-services command, much like the Strategic Forces Command (SFC). This strategy might not be the best one.

There are several reasons to create CRFs. First, it aims to lessen the imbalance with China, who has an organisation not unlike India’s; second, it seeks to improve non-contact combat capabilities; and third, it seeks to serve as a tool of both retaliation and deterrence against strikes that occur within Indian territory. A prime example of the use of missiles as a weapon in Indian history was after the Balakote attack, when India forced Pakistan to

Soldiers at the front line would be tackled next. Any operational commander should be able to mould the battlefield to fit his plans and impact the conflict at greater ranges thanks to the capabilities of the CRF deployed in his area. It follows from the foregoing that land-based targets would be the primary focus of the CRF. Therefore, it should be under the army and in charge of ground operations rather than being an all-arms force like the SFC. In addition, it might be used to attack targets that the air force targets, such as radar installations and air bases. Having separate CRFs for each service is pointless during a time when the military is debating theaterization, jointness, and integration. One more

It is possible to continue in the same manner, but that would suggest duplication or that the CRF is an expansion of the SFC. Additionally, it would limit how commanders on the ground might use it because doing so would require strategic clearance. Additionally, separating the CRF from the SFC would validate India’s nuclear policy of “no first use.” As a result, the CRF ought to support non-nuclear missiles and be at the operational commander’s disposal for war planning and execution. It is necessary to decide which missiles belong with the CRF and which with the SFC because the SFC keeps both nuclear and nonnuclear missiles. The CRF should ideally include missiles that can impact the operational war and is easily accessible to

Therefore, the maximum range for artillery ammunition, including rockets, should be 100 km. This suggests that the CRF includes the conventionally armed missiles of the Pralay, Nirbhay, and Agni series, while the artillery’s weapons are extended to the Pinaka rocket system. The army’s artillery is the branch with the most rocket and missile operational experience. A range of detection and post-strike damage assessment sources can be integrated via its command and control architecture. Moreover, it now manages regiments of BrahMos missiles that are in place. Raising CRF units within the artillery will therefore allow for the utilisation of current knowledge while also lowering training expenses. India’s missile development and production plan is a significant advantage.