In a major push towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has signed a Licensing Agreement for Transfer of Technology (LAToT) with NIBE Limited, a Pune-based private company. The agreement, inked by DRDO’s Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE), enables NIBE Limited to produce the Pinaka Multi Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL) system and its associated Battery Command Post (BCP).
The Pinaka system, developed indigenously by DRDO for the Indian Army, is a vital component of India’s artillery capabilities. It can fire salvos of rockets with a range of up to 45 km in its Mark-I Enhanced version, and up to 90 km in the Mark-II Extended Range variant. The Guided Pinaka, successfully tested in late 2024, features a Trajectory Correction System that significantly improves accuracy, making it a formidable asset in modern warfare.
This technology transfer marks a pivotal moment in India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat campaign, which emphasizes indigenous defence production and reducing dependence on imports. The deal also signals a broader shift towards involving private players in the defence sector. NIBE Limited joins the ranks of private firms like Solar Industries, which had previously contributed to successful Pinaka trials in 2020. The DRDO’s engagement with industry partners is aimed at enhancing production efficiency and meeting the operational demands of the Indian armed forces more swiftly.
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Officials noted that the production of the Pinaka system by NIBE Limited is expected to create new job opportunities and support economic development. With defence manufacturing already contributing around 80,000 private sector jobs, the inclusion of new firms is expected to further stimulate industrial growth. By building a diversified defence manufacturing ecosystem, India also strengthens its position as a potential exporter of reliable and cost-effective military systems.
The Pinaka system stands out for its cost-effectiveness, estimated at ₹2.3 crore per unit, making it considerably more affordable than comparable global systems like the US-made M270, which costs around ₹19.5 crore. With ongoing technological upgrades, including integration of UAV support and navigation enhancements such as the Sigma 30 system previously supplied by Sagem, the Pinaka platform continues to evolve.
Defence analysts view this latest agreement as a strategic milestone that underlines India’s capability to design, develop, and deploy advanced weaponry independently. As DRDO continues to deepen its collaboration with the private sector, India is steadily moving toward greater strategic autonomy and defence export readiness in an increasingly complex global security environment.
