The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has announced a significant milestone in India’s military capabilities with the successful completion of flight tests for the guided Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher (MBRL) system. This achievement is part of the Provisional Staff Qualitative Requirements (PSQR) validation trials and marks an important step toward the system’s induction into the Indian Army.
In the latest tests, the Pinaka’s operational range has been increased to over 75 kilometers, a substantial enhancement from its initial range of 38 kilometers. The flight tests were conducted in three phases across various field firing ranges to assess critical PSQR parameters, including ranging, accuracy, consistency, and the rate of fire for engaging multiple targets in a salvo mode. A total of twelve rockets were fired from two upgraded in-service Pinaka launchers, with the rockets being sourced from distinct production agencies.
The Indian Army currently operates four Pinaka regiments, with six additional regiments on order. The upgrade of this multi-barrel rocket system is seen as a key element in modernizing the Army’s artillery capabilities. Plans are in place to further extend the range of the Pinaka systems to reach targets up to 120 kilometers, and potentially expand it to 300 kilometers in the future. Aside from the Pinaka, the Army also has five Grad rocket regiments and three Smerch regiments, positioning the indigenous Pinaka as a central asset in long-range rocket artillery.
The Pinaka’s precision strike variant is a completely indigenous system, developed collaboratively by various DRDO facilities, including the Armament Research and Development Establishment, Research Centre Imarat, Defence Research and Development Laboratory, High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, and the Proof & Experimental Establishment. Production responsibilities for the ammunition have been delegated to Munitions India Limited and Economic Explosives Limited, while Tata Advanced Systems Limited and Larsen & Toubro are tasked with manufacturing the Pinaka launcher and battery command post.
Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO, confirmed that the rocket system has completed all necessary flight trials prior to its planned induction into the Indian Army, highlighting its readiness and operational potential.
International interest in the Pinaka system is also noteworthy. Reports indicate that France is evaluating the system alongside other options, with a team expected to visit India for detailed analysis in the near future. Furthermore, Armenia has already become the first export customer for the Pinaka rocket system, demonstrating the growing global interest in India’s indigenous military technology.
This development not only bolsters India’s defense capabilities but also positions the Pinaka system as a key player in the international defense arms market.
