Indian Army to Add Six Pinaka Rocket Regiments by 2026
The Indian Army is poised to significantly enhance its LAC and LoC firepower by inducting six new Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher (MBRL) regiments by 2026. This expansion builds on earlier deployments and aligns with broader efforts to modernize artillery capabilities along hostile frontiers.
Pinaka Regiments Take Center Stage
Currently supporting border defense, four Pinaka regiments are already active near China and Pakistan. The accelerated induction of six additional regiments—under a ₹2,580 crore contract awarded in August 2020—ensures larger rocket salvos will be available to frontline commanders, reducing reliance on outdated Soviet-era systems like the BM‑21 Grad.
Ramp-Up Strategy
Two of the newly contracted regiments have begun raising troops and gearing up for operational readiness in 2025. Another two are expected to receive their systems by year’s end, with full formation planned for early 2026. Once complete, the artillery strength will increase from eight regiments in 2025 to a full complement of ten by mid‑2026.
Deep Strike & Rapid Response Capacity
Each Pinaka regiment comprises three batteries, and each battery features six launchers. Units can fire impressive salvos—72 rockets within 44 seconds—capable of saturating an area of roughly 1,000 × 800 metres. This rapid-response capability offers a potent deep-strike asset against enemy concentrations and infrastructure across contested terrains.
Indigenous Surge & Defence Modernization
Developed by DRDO and manufactured domestically, Pinaka systems reflect India’s drive toward “Make in India” defense autonomy. With more than 100 Mk‑I launchers and ongoing upgrades to Mk‑II and enhanced variants, Pinaka is set to replace aging Cold War-era artillery and establish the foundation for a modern integrated rocket force.
Broader Artillery Modernization
This expansion is part of a larger push to equip the Indian Army with advanced long-range precision systems. Future upgrades—including Pinaka variants with ranges of up to 120 km and 300 km—are already in development. Plans are in motion to deploy a total of 22 Pinaka regiments by the early 2030s.
