In a significant boost to India’s artillery firepower, the Cabinet Committee on Security has given its nod for the purchase of ammunition worth over Rs 10,000 crore for the Army’s Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher systems. This approval comes as the Army seeks to bolster its combat capabilities, particularly along the northern frontier with China.
Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi had earlier stated on January 13 that two Pinaka contracts — one for high explosive pre-fragmented ammunition and another for area denial munitions — were set to be signed before the end of the current fiscal. With the latest clearance from the CCS, the procurement of these munitions for six additional Pinaka regiments is set to move forward.
The Army already operates four Pinaka regiments. The Pinaka system has two variants: the Pinaka MK-I, which has a range of around 40 km, and the Pinaka II, capable of striking targets up to 60 km away. The system was developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s Armament Research and Development Establishment and is named after the bow of Lord Shiva. It was initially designed to replace the Soviet-era Grad BM-21 rocket launcher.
The Pinaka first proved its mettle during the Kargil War, effectively neutralising enemy positions in difficult mountainous terrain. Reports indicate that the first batch of Pinaka launchers was supplied to Armenia, reflecting India’s growing stature as a defence exporter.
Alongside strengthening its rocket artillery, the Army is also set to enhance its long-range firepower with additional procurements, including 100 more K9 Vajra howitzers, swarm drones, loitering munitions, and advanced surveillance systems. These steps are part of a broader push to modernise and equip the Indian Army with cutting-edge weaponry to meet emerging challenges along key frontiers.
