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30 Jun 2026 : Preparing India for China’s missile challenge

Article 1: Preparing India for China’s missile challenge

Why in news: China's growing deployment of conventional missiles opposite India has renewed debate on strengthening India's conventional missile capabilities and establishing a dedicated Rocket Force to enhance deterrence below the nuclear threshold.

Key Details

  • China has deployed over 200 conventional missile launchers opposite India, enhancing its long-range strike capability.
  • China possesses DF-15B, DF-16, DF-21C, DF-26, and hypersonic missiles (DF-100) capable of targeting both border and deep strategic assets.
  • India lacks a dedicated Rocket Force and faces gaps in missile range, stockpiles, hypersonic capability, and real-time targeting.
  • Experts recommend placing a Rocket Force under the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) with unified command and integrated missile doctrine.
  • Interim measures include hardening airbases, improving air defence, strengthening long-range strike capability, and expanding satellite surveillance.

Changing Nature of Warfare

  • Missiles are transforming modern warfare by making conflicts faster, cheaper, and politically coercive.
  • Conventional missile strikes can cripple critical infrastructure without escalating to full-scale war.
  • China has deployed over 200 conventional missile launchers opposite India, creating a significant strategic challenge.
  • Missile superiority can influence conflict outcomes even before ground fighting begins.
  • India must prepare for both border conflict and deep missile attacks simultaneously.

 

China's Missile Advantage

  • China views conventional missiles as tools for political coercion and battlefield dominance, unlike India's deterrence-focused approach.
  • Missile bases at Korla and Kunming deploy DF-15B, DF-16, DF-21C, DF-26, DF-100, and CJ-1000 missiles.
  • DF-15B, DF-16, and DF-21C target border military installations, while DF-26 strikes strategic targets deep inside India.
  • Hypersonic missiles, such as DF-100, provide rapid strikes with minimal warning.
  • China's missile capability reduces the protective advantage traditionally offered by the Himalayas.

 

India's Capability Gaps

  • India lacks a dedicated Rocket Force for conventional missile warfare.
  • Long-range missile systems like Agni, BrahMos, and LR-LACM (Nirbhay) are still undergoing integration and expansion.
  • India has limited missile stockpiles, weaker real-time targeting capabilities, and underdeveloped hypersonic technology.
  • Missile launches over the Himalayas reduce India's operational effectiveness compared to China's Tibetan Plateau advantage.
  • Organisational and policy issues continue to delay the development of an integrated missile command.

 

Building a Credible Rocket Force

  • A Rocket Force should deter China by creating mutual vulnerability through a credible conventional strike capability.
  • It should target the PLA Western Theatre Command (WTC), logistics hubs, airbases, and infrastructure in Tibet and Xinjiang.
  • Field commanders should have the capability to strike enemy camps, artillery positions, and ammunition depots.
  • The force should engage strategic, operational, and tactical targets under a unified command.
  • A strong missile inventory would strengthen deterrence below the nuclear threshold.

 

Key Reforms and Interim Measures

  • Doctrine: Adopt counter-value conventional strikes, develop unified target lists, and provide pre-delegated launch authority for time-sensitive operations.
  • Structure: Place the Rocket Force under the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and expand medium-range and intermediate-range ballistic missile (MRBM/IRBM) capabilities.
  • Technology: Accelerate hypersonic missile development, increase private-sector participation, and strengthen domestic R&D and indigenous manufacturing.
  • Interim Measures: Harden airbases, disperse IAF assets, optimise air-defence deployment, and enhance satellite surveillance of Chinese missile launchers.
  • India must build a credible conventional Rocket Force to deter Chinese missile coercion, ensure mutual vulnerability, and maintain strategic stability below the nuclear threshold.

Conclusion

India's security environment demands a shift from traditional border-centric defence to credible conventional missile deterrence. Establishing an integrated Rocket Force, strengthening indigenous missile technology, and adopting a unified doctrine will enhance deterrence below the nuclear threshold. Combined with improved surveillance and air defence, these measures will reinforce strategic stability and ensure India can effectively counter emerging missile threats.

Descriptive question:

Discuss the strategic significance of establishing a dedicated Conventional Rocket Force for India in the context of China's growing missile capabilities. What doctrinal, organisational, and technological reforms are required to strengthen India's conventional deterrence? (15 Marks, 250 Words)