India tests advanced Pinaka system as France and Armenia show interest in rocket purchases
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): India has successfully completed the flight-test of its advanced guided weapon system, Pinaka, amid rising global demand for the rocket system. The test assessed the system’s range, accuracy, consistency, and rate of fire for multiple target engagement in salvo mode. The Defence Ministry confirmed that the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted the flight-tests as part of Provisional Staff Qualitative Requirements (PSQR) validation trials. The tests were carried out in three phases at different field firing ranges, with twelve rockets from each production agency tested on two upgraded Pinaka launchers.
This successful test marks a significant step in India’s defence manufacturing push under the ‘Make in India’ initiative. Recently, France expressed interest in acquiring the Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL) system to enhance its defences. Armenia had previously placed the first order for the system, making it India’s first major defence export. France has now also shown interest, and talks are reportedly at an advanced stage, with France planning to test the system in the coming weeks.
Named after Lord Shiva’s divine bow, the Pinaka system was developed as a replacement for the Russian Grad BM-21 rocket launcher for the Indian Army. First deployed during the 1999 Kargil War, the system played a crucial role in neutralizing Pakistani positions at strategic heights. The Pinaka rocket system is developed by DRDO's Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE). It features a free-flight artillery rocket with a maximum range of 38 km and various warhead and fuse options.
The system includes a multi-tube launcher vehicle, replenishment and loader vehicles, and a command post vehicle. It is capable of firing all 12 rockets in a salvo within 44 seconds, covering a target area of 700 x 500 meters. The system has been upgraded with the Pinaka Mk-II rocket, which boasts a 60-km range. Minor modifications to the launch vehicle and ground systems allow it to fire this enhanced rocket. A Pinaka battery can launch 72 rockets, with the flexibility for individual or simultaneous firing in various directions. The system operates in manual, remote, stand-alone, and autonomous modes and is equipped with shoot-and-scoot capabilities to evade counter-battery fire. The latest version of the Pinaka is guided, featuring precision seekers that have doubled its range compared to earlier versions. DRDO is working on further enhancements, including guided Pinaka systems with ranges of 120 km, 150 km, and 200 km, aimed at countering China’s long-range guided rocket systems.
The Pinaka system is already in active service with the Indian Army and is deployed along the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan and the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. In 2023, the system was reportedly delivered to Armenia via Iran to strengthen its defence against Azerbaijan. France’s interest in purchasing the Pinaka system is part of a broader effort to deepen defence and strategic ties between the two nations. France is India’s second-largest defence supplier after Russia, with recent deals including the AC-295 transport aircraft and the Rafale fighter jets, underscoring the strong defence relationship between Paris and New Delhi.
