What is Pinaka system in Indian Army?

India's Pinaka rocket launcher gains global attention, with France eyeing it for military use as DRDO advances its capabilities for extended-range precision strikes.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) recently finished flight tests of the Guided Pinaka Weapon System as part of the Provisional Staff Qualitative Requirements (PSQR) Validation Trials.

These tests were carried out in three phases at various field firing ranges, and were designed to check the system's performance in key areas like range, accuracy, consistency, and rate of fire before it is officially put into service.

KEY FEATURES

The Pinaka is a powerful multi-barrel rocket launcher developed by DRDO’s Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE). It can launch a rapid series of 12 rockets in just 44 seconds, covering an area of 700x500 meters.

Originally built with a 37.5 km range, the Pinaka has been upgraded over time to deliver greater range and effectiveness.

• Pinaka Mk-I: The basic version has a range of 38 km and offers various warhead options.
• Pinaka Mk-II: An enhanced model that extends the range to 60 km.
• Extended Range Pinaka: The latest version reaches targets up to 75 km.

TESTING:

The Pinaka system has undergone extensive testing to meet the evolving needs of the Indian Army:

• 2020 Tests: DRDO tested the Enhanced Pinaka at the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur, Odisha, achieving longer ranges and firing six rockets in quick succession.
• 2021 Tests: The Extended Range Pinaka was tested at ITR, with 25 rockets successfully launched at various ranges up to 45 km.
• 2022 Tests at Pokhran: DRDO and the Indian Army tested the Pinaka Mk-I (Enhanced) Rocket System and the Pinaka Area Denial Munition (ADM) system, meeting high standards for accuracy and consistency.

Indian industry partners like Munitions India Limited and Economic Explosives Limited supply the ammunition, while Tata Advanced Systems Limited and Larsen & Toubro contribute to the launcher and command post.

These partnerships help boost domestic production and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers.

Recently, Brigadier General Stephane Richou of the French Army expressed interest in the Pinaka system as a potential solution for France’s military needs.

This marks India as an emerging force in the global defence industry.

FEATURE OF PINAKA IN THE INDIAN ARMY

India has been expanding its defence exports, supplying equipment to over 100 countries, including the United States, France, and Armenia.

The Pinaka system is expected to play a key role in India’s goal of increasing its presence in the global defence market.

This versatile rocket launcher is now ready for induction into the Indian Armed Forces, offering a powerful and precise artillery option capable of extended-range strikes.