The French Army is in the process of evaluating the Indian Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL) to address its artillery requirements, as confirmed by a senior officer during a recent visit to India. Brigadier General Stephane Richou highlighted the need for an advanced artillery system, indicating that the Pinaka is among various global options being considered to replace the aging unitary rocket launchers (LRU) currently in service.
Currently, the French military operates nine LRUs, which were first acquired over a decade ago. However, these systems are expected to surpass their operational lifespan by 2027, prompting the need for upgrades. France aims to procure ten new launcher systems by the year 2030, followed by an additional thirteen by 2035. While there is a preference for developing a sovereign system, the option of procuring an off-the-shelf foreign system remains open.
In response to this requirement, two French consortiums, led by MBDA and Thales, have participated in the initiative to provide suitable replacements. Additionally, the American-made M142 HIMARS and the Israeli PULS systems are also under consideration as potential purchases.
The evaluation of the Pinaka system marks a significant step in enhancing military cooperation between France and India. Brigadier General Richou emphasized that this collaboration goes beyond mere business interests, signifying a shared vision and commitment towards a unified future in defense partnerships.
The Pinaka MBRL itself was developed in India as a successor to the Soviet-origin Grad system during the late 1980s to early 1990s. It stands out as one of India’s successful defense export ventures, with ten Pinaka regiments having been operational within the Indian Army since the year 2000. The initial variant, the Pinaka MK1, boasts a range of approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles). Currently, an upgraded MK2 version is undergoing user trials, extending its range to 75 kilometers (46 miles). The Indian government has also greenlit the development of two additional Pinaka variants, which will feature ranges of 120 kilometers (74 miles) and an impressive 300 kilometers (186 miles), enhancing India’s artillery capabilities further on the global stage.
