Pinaka System

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully completed the flight tests of the Guided Pinaka Weapon System as part of the Provisional Staff Qualitative Requirements (PSQR) Validation Trials. The successful validation marks a significant step towards the system's induction into service, reinforcing India's efforts to modernize and strengthen its artillery capabilities.

About the Pinaka System

• The Pinaka is a multi-barrel rocket launcher system developed by DRDO’s Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE). Initially designed to meet the requirements of the Indian Army, the system has undergone significant upgrades to enhance its range, accuracy, and overall performance.
• Phased Development:
  • Pinaka Mk-I: The basic version with a 38 km range and capable of firing multiple rocket salvoes.
  • Pinaka Mk-II: An upgraded version with an extended range of up to 60 km.
• Extended Range Pinaka: The latest variant, with a range of 75 km, capable of striking targets at longer distances with greater precision.
• The development and testing journey for Pinaka has spanned several years, with the system undergoing rigorous field trials to ensure it meets the operational needs of the Indian Army.

Key Features and Capabilities of the Pinaka System

• Salvo Launch Capability: The Pinaka is capable of launching a salvo of 12 rockets within 44 seconds, covering an area of 700 x 500 meters. This allows the system to deliver a high volume of fire in a short span of time, making it effective against enemy positions and formations.
• Range: The initial version, Pinaka Mk-I, has a range of 38 km. Later versions, including Pinaka Mk-II, extend this range to 60 km, and the Extended Range Pinaka can hit targets at distances of up to 75 km, providing the Indian Army with significant standoff capability.
• Upgraded Performance: The Pinaka system has undergone various upgrades over time, improving its accuracy, reliability, and operational effectiveness. In 2020, for example, the Enhanced Pinaka variant was successfully tested at the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur, Odisha, achieving the desired range and performance goals. The Extended Range version was tested in 2021 with 25 successful launches at ranges up to 45 km.
• Guided Munition: The Guided Pinaka system, a key feature of the recent flight tests, introduces guided rockets, offering enhanced precision and accuracy compared to traditional unguided rockets. This development is crucial for targeting specific enemy positions with minimal collateral damage.
• Production and Strategic Partnerships: The development of the Pinaka system has been supported by several Indian industry partners, such as Munitions India Limited and Tata Advanced Systems Limited, ensuring greater domestic production and reducing reliance on foreign weapon systems.
• Potential for Export: The Pinaka system has garnered international attention, with the French Army expressing interest in the system as a potential solution for their own military needs. This aligns with India's broader goals of defence exports, as the system is seen as an essential asset for India’s growing presence in the global defence market.