Introduction

• Missile warfare has become a defining feature of modern conflicts due to its speed, precision, and ability to achieve strategic objectives below the nuclear threshold.
• China's expanding conventional missile arsenal and PLA Rocket Force pose a significant challenge to India's security, highlighting the need to strengthen India's conventional deterrence.

Why China's Missile Capability is a Challenge for India

• Strategic Advantageà China has 200+ conventional missile launchers facing India, enabling rapid strikes on military and strategic targets.
• Threat Beyond the Border à Missiles can target airbases, logistics hubs, transport networks, and critical infrastructure, forcing India to fight both a border conflict and deep-area missile attacks simultaneously.
• Technological Edgeà Deployment of DF-26 dual-role missiles and DF-100 hypersonic missiles gives China greater range, speed, and escalation capability.
• Reduced Strategic Depthà Long-range missiles diminish the traditional defensive advantage provided by the Himalayas.

Measures to Strengthen India's Conventional Missile Deterrence

• Establish a Dedicated Rocket Forceà Create a unified Rocket Force under the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) for integrated missile operations.
• Strengthen Missile Capabilityà Expand MRBM, IRBM, Agni variants, and accelerate indigenous hypersonic missile development.
• Improve Defence Preparednessà Enhance real-time targeting, satellite surveillance, air defence systems, and hardened airbases.
• Promote Indigenous Manufacturingà Increase R&D, encourage privatesector participation, and reduce dependence on imported components through Atmanirbhar Bharat.
• Modernise Missile Doctrine à Develop a unified target list, improve joint planning, and enable timely conventional counterstrikes.

Conclusion

• A credible conventional missile capability is essential to maintain deterrence below the nuclear threshold.
• By strengthening doctrine, technology, indigenous manufacturing, and joint military structures, India can ensure credible deterrence, strategic stability, and effective response to future security challenges posed by China.