Amid rising global demand, India today successfully completed the flight test of its advanced guided weapon system, Pinaka. The test evaluated the system’s range, accuracy, consistency, and rate of fire for engaging multiple targets in salvo mode.
“Defence Research and Development Organisation or DRDO has successfully completed the flight-tests of Guided Pinaka Weapon System as part of Provisional Staff Qualitative Requirements (PSQR) validation trials,” the Defence Ministry said today, adding that the flight-tests were conducted in three phases at different field firing ranges.
DRDO has successfully completed the Flight Tests of Guided #Pinaka Weapon System. Various parameters such as ranging, accuracy, consistency and rate of fire for multiple target engagement in a salvo mode were assessed during the trials. The tests were conducted in three phases at… pic.twitter.com/qVtq4MqCse
— Ministry of Defence, Government of India (@SpokespersonMoD) November 14, 2024
“Twelve rockets from each production agency from two in-service Pinaka launchers upgraded by the launcher production agencies have been tested,” the statement noted.
This success marks a significant step in New Delhi’s defense manufacturing push under the ‘Make in India’ initiative. Recently, France has expressed interest in the Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL) system to strengthen its defenses.
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Pinaka System
The Pinaka system, regarded as comparable to America’s HIMARS system, has become India’s first major defense export, with conflict-ridden Armenia placing the first order. France has also expressed interest in the advanced rocket system to enhance its army’s artillery division. In fact, discussions are already at an advanced stage, with France planning to test the system in the coming weeks, according to sources familiar with the matter.
Named after Lord Shiva’s divine bow, the Pinaka rocket system replaced the Russian Grad BM-21 rocket launcher in the Indian Army. It was first deployed during the 1999 Kargil War, where it played a crucial role in targeting Pakistani positions at strategic heights. Developed by the Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE) under the DRDO, the system includes a free-flight artillery rocket with a maximum range of 38 km, offering various warheads and fuzes. It is equipped with a multi-tube launcher vehicle, a replenishment-cum-loader vehicle, a replenishment vehicle, and a command post vehicle.
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The multi-barrel rocket system features two pods, each containing six rockets, capable of firing all 12 rockets in salvo mode within 44 seconds, covering a target area of 700 x 500 meters. For the Indian Army’s need for a free-flight rocket with enhanced range, ARDE has developed the Pinaka Mk-II rocket, which boasts a range of 60 km. The Mk-II uses the same launch vehicle and ground systems as the original Pinaka, with minor modifications to accommodate the new rocket.
A battery of the system can fire 72 rockets, with each launcher able to operate independently. Rockets can be launched individually or simultaneously in different directions. The system can be operated in manual, remote, standalone, and autonomous modes. Its shoot-and-scoot capability also allows it to avoid counter-battery fire.
The current version of the Pinaka system is guided, meaning the rockets are equipped with seekers for precision strikes. With this upgrade, the system’s range has nearly doubled compared to the original version. The DRDO is now working on a guided version of the Pinaka that can reach ranges of over 120 km, 150 km, and even 200 km, aimed at countering China’s long-range guided rocket systems.
The Pinaka system is already in service with the Indian Army, deployed along both the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan and the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. In 2023, it was reportedly delivered to Armenia via Iran to strengthen its defense against Azerbaijan.
France’s interest in purchasing the Pinaka system is part of a broader effort to enhance defense and strategic ties between the two countries. France is India’s second-largest defense supplier after Russia, with recent deals like the T AC 295 transport aircraft and the Rafale fighter jets underscoring the strong and enduring defense partnership between Paris and New Delhi.
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