In a promising development for India’s “Make in India” initiative, a senior French Army officer has indicated that the Indian-made Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher (MBRL) is under evaluation for potential adoption by the French armed forces. This interest marks a significant step forward in the ongoing effort to strengthen strategic and defense collaborations between India and France.
The Pinaka system has been developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and manufactured by prominent Indian companies, including Solar Industries, Larsen and Toubro, Tata, and the Ordnance Factory Board. Its track record includes success in export markets, with orders secured from countries such as Armenia and ongoing interest from several others.
Brigadier General Richou, during his visit to India, emphasized the system’s impressive capabilities, which enable it to effectively strike targets at distances of up to 75 kilometers or more. The versatility offered by its various missile variants enhances its appeal for the French military. He remarked on India’s escalating reputation as a producer of advanced weaponry, asserting, “India is among the highest countries producing weapons,” while expressing a keen interest in the precision and range provided by the Pinaka MBRL.
The general noted that the French military is assessing the Pinaka along with other systems from leading nations. He reiterated the notion that the relationship between India and France transcends mere business, highlighting that this cooperation is about forging a common future. Brigadier General Richou stated, “This is much more than a business partnership; this is cooperation, and this is a common future together.”
The Pinaka MBRL has established itself as a vital asset not only for Indian forces but also has gained recognition on the global defense stage. Its operational range and adaptability to different operational scenarios underscore its potential for modern artillery applications. The system’s capabilities were a focal point in previous discussions between military officials from both nations, particularly during a recent high-profile visit by India’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan.
In recent years, India has intensified its efforts to enhance indigenous defense exports, achieving a threefold increase in defense exports since 2014 under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration. The recognition and evaluation of the Pinaka system by the French military is a testament to India’s growing stature as a significant player in the global arms market and a key contributor to international defense collaborations.
