The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully completed the flight tests of the Guided Pinaka Weapon System, marking a significant milestone in the Provisional Staff Qualitative Requirements (PSQR) Validation Trials. These trials were meticulously conducted in three phases at various field firing ranges and focused on assessing the weapon system’s key performance metrics, including range, accuracy, consistency, and rate of fire.
The Pinaka system is a state-of-the-art multi-barrel rocket launcher developed by the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) of DRDO. It has the capability to launch a barrage of 12 rockets within just 44 seconds, effectively covering a target area of 700 by 500 meters. Initially introduced with a range of 37.5 kilometers, the system has seen multiple enhancements, resulting in several upgraded versions:
- Pinaka Mk-I: The basic version, which boasts a range of 38 km and various warhead types.
- Pinaka Mk-II: An upgraded variant that extends its reach up to 60 km.
- Extended Range Pinaka: The latest iteration, capable of striking targets located up to 75 km away.
The development of the Pinaka system has undergone a phased approach characterized by comprehensive testing to meet the dynamic requirements of the Indian Army. In 2020, the Enhanced Pinaka variant was tested at the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur, Odisha, where the system successfully achieved its targets in terms of range and performance. The following year, further evaluations were conducted with the Extended Range Pinaka rockets, achieving successful launches of 25 rockets at various distances up to 45 km. The trials continued in 2022 at Pokhran, focusing on other variants, such as the Pinaka Mk-I (Enhanced) Rocket System (EPRS) and the Pinaka Area Denial Munition (ADM).
The development and production strategy of the Pinaka system involves collaboration with Indian industries. Partnerships with companies like Munitions India Limited and Economic Explosives Limited for ammunition, along with Tata Advanced Systems Limited and Larsen & Toubro for launcher and command post production, aim to bolster domestic manufacturing and decrease dependence on foreign military supplies.
Recently, interest has emerged from the French Army regarding the Pinaka system, with Brigadier General Stephane Richou highlighting India’s growing indigenous military production capabilities, which have positioned the country as a formidable player in the global defence landscape.
As part of India’s robust defence export initiative, the country has been supplying military hardware to over 100 nations, with key markets including the United States, France, and Armenia. The Pinaka weapon system is anticipated to enhance India’s position in the global defence market and further its export ambitions.
In light of the successful completion of the PSQR Validation Trials, both Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V. Kamat have expressed their commendations for the performance of the Pinaka system. The completion of these trials solidifies the Pinaka’s role as an advanced artillery asset, ready for induction into the Indian Armed Forces, which will benefit from its precision strike capabilities at extended ranges.
