Indian Army to Finalize ₹10,200 Crore Deal for Pinaka Rockets
The Indian Army is set to finalize contracts worth ₹10,200 crore for acquiring indigenous Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher systems and their ammunition. This initiative aims to strengthen the Army’s artillery capabilities while reducing dependence on foreign imports.
The contracts include two major components. The first, valued at ₹5,700 crore, focuses on procuring High-Explosive Pre-Fragmented (HEPF) ammunition with an extended range of 45 kilometers. These rockets are designed for precision and effectiveness in targeting enemy assets. The second component, worth ₹4,500 crore, involves Area Denial Munition (ADM) systems capable of delivering submunitions over a range of 37 kilometers. These systems are intended to disrupt enemy movements and operations on the battlefield.
Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Pinaka rocket system has undergone continuous improvements. The initial Pinaka Mk-I variant had a range of 40 kilometers, while advanced versions like the Pinaka Mk-II and Guided Pinaka have extended ranges of up to 75 kilometers, with enhanced accuracy. The Army has already inducted four regiments of the Pinaka system, with plans for six more under way. Some of these units are currently deployed along high-altitude northern borders.
The production of Pinaka systems and ammunition will be carried out by leading Indian defense manufacturers, including Bharat Earth Movers Limited, Tata Advanced Systems, and Larsen & Toubro. This aligns with the government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, fostering self-reliance in defense manufacturing. Additionally, the Pinaka system has drawn interest from international buyers, including Armenia, Indonesia, and Nigeria, bolstering its export potential.
Efforts are also underway to further enhance the system’s range and capabilities. DRDO is working on variants capable of striking targets up to 120 kilometers, with plans for extended-range versions reaching 300 kilometers, ensuring India’s artillery capabilities remain robust and future-ready.
