In a major boost to India’s indigenous rocket artillery capability, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Monday successfully conducted the maiden flight test of the Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR-120) at the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur.
The successful test came on the same day the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, cleared planned defence procurement proposals worth ₹79,000 crore, including the Long Range Guided Rockets-120.
Precision Strike at 120 km
According to the Defence Ministry, the LRGR-120 was flight-tested to its maximum strike range of 120 km, during which it executed all planned in-flight manoeuvres and achieved a direct hit on the designated target with high precision. All tracking instruments deployed at the ITR monitored the rocket throughout its trajectory, validating its performance parameters.
The successful trial marks a significant milestone in India’s indigenous Pinaka rocket artillery programme, enhancing the Army’s long-range precision strike capability.
Indigenous Design and Development
The LRGR-120 has been designed by the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) in collaboration with the High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL), with support from the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) and Research Centre Imarat (RCI). The flight trial was coordinated by the Integrated Test Range along with the Proof & Experimental Establishment (P&EE).
Notably, the rocket was launched from an in-service Pinaka launcher, demonstrating the system’s versatility and its ability to fire multiple Pinaka variants with different ranges from the same platform.
‘Game Changer’ for Armed Forces
Congratulating the DRDO teams on the successful test, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that the development of long-range guided rockets would significantly enhance the operational capabilities of the Armed Forces, calling it a “game changer” for India’s artillery firepower.
DRDO Chairman and Secretary, Department of Defence R&D, Dr Samir V. Kamat, who witnessed the trial, also lauded the scientists and engineers for achieving all mission objectives.
The successful testing of the LRGR-120, combined with the DAC’s approval for its procurement, is expected to accelerate the induction of advanced Pinaka variants, further strengthening India’s precision strike and deterrence capabilities.
