About Pinaka Rocket System
Pinaka is an indigenously developed Multi Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL).
Developed by DRDO for the Indian Army.
Named after Lord Shiva’s bow, Pinaka.
Provides rapid, high-volume artillery fire against enemy positions.
Mounted on a high-mobility vehicle.
Can fire 12 rockets in about 44 seconds.
Suitable for: Area suppression, counter-battery fire, Destruction of troop concentrations, and neutralising enemy logistics and command centres.
Highlights
Successfully validated the minimum strike range of 60 km.
The rocket executed all planned in-flight manoeuvres and accurately hit the designated target.
It followed the predicted trajectory with high precision.
Launched from an in-service Pinaka launcher, demonstrating compatibility with multiple Pinaka rocket variants.
This enhances operational flexibility for the Indian Army.
Development
Designed by the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), Pune.
Developed in collaboration with the High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL), Pune.
Supported by the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad and Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad.
Flight trial coordinated by the Integrated Test Range (ITR) and Proof and Experimental Establishment (PXE), Chandipur.
Challenges
Need for continuous development to match evolving long-range rocket technologies globally.
Requirement for large-scale production to meet operational demands.
Integration with advanced battlefield surveillance and command-and-control networks.
Ensuring reliable supply chains for critical indigenous components.
Export competitiveness in the global defence market.
Way Forward
Accelerate induction of guided and extended-range Pinaka variants into the armed forces.
Continue R&D to enhance range, accuracy, and precision-guided capabilities.
Integrate Pinaka with network-centric warfare and real-time targeting systems.
Expand indigenous manufacturing through greater private-sector participation.
Promote defence exports to friendly countries to strengthen India's defence industrial base.
Conclusion
The successful test flight of the Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket System has been yet another feather in the cap of India's indigenous defence capability of India. This test has provided the credibility that the Pinaka Rocket System is an advanced, versatile, and independent artillery weapon system, adding to India's defence capability.
