Why in News
  • Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted the maiden flight test of the Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR-120).
  • The test was carried out at the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, Odisha.
  • On the same day, the project received clearance for induction into the Indian Army from the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC).

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

  • The rocket was fired to its maximum strike range of 120 km.
  • It successfully performed all planned in-flight manoeuvres.
  • The rocket hit the designated target with high precision.
  • All range instruments tracked the rocket throughout its entire flight trajectory.

DEVELOPMENT & COLLABORATION

  • The LRGR-120 has been designed by Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE).
  • It was developed in collaboration with:
    • High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL)
  • Technical support was provided by:
    • Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL)
    • Research Centre Imarat (RCI)

LAUNCH PLATFORM & TRIAL MANAGEMENT

  • The rocket was launched from an in-service Pinaka launcher.
  • This proved that the same launcher can fire Pinaka rockets of different ranges.
  • The flight trial was coordinated by:
    • Integrated Test Range (ITR)
    • Proof and Experimental Establishment (PXE)

ABOUT PINAKA MULTIPLE ROCKET LAUNCH SYSTEM

Basic Information
  • Pinaka MRLS is a battle-proven, all-weather, indirect area fire artillery weapon system.
  • It has been developed by ARDE (DRDO) for the Indian Army.
  • Pinaka was first used during the Kargil War (1999).
  • It successfully neutralised enemy positions on mountain tops, proving its effectiveness in high-altitude warfare.
Features of Pinaka MRLS 7.1 Firepower and Response
  • The system has very quick response time.
  • It offers high pointing accuracy.
  • It can deliver a large volume of fire in a short duration.
  • It is suitable for time-sensitive and critical enemy targets.
Launcher and Battery Configuration
  • Each launcher carries 12 rockets.
  • One battery consists of 6 launchers.
  • Total rockets fired in one salvo by a battery = 72 rockets.
Warhead Options
  • Pinaka can fire multiple types of warheads, such as:
    • High-explosive warheads
    • Sub-munition warheads
  • This makes it effective against area targets and troop concentrations.
Range Capability
  • Standard Pinaka rockets have a range of 60–75 km.
  • Advanced versions like LRGR-120 extend the range to 120 km.
Guidance and Accuracy
  • Earlier versions were unguided rockets.
  • The Pinaka-Guided version uses INS/GPS navigation.
  • This provides high precision strike capability.
Mobility
  • The system is mounted on a Tatra high-mobility truck.
  • This ensures fast movement, quick deployment, and survivability on the battlefield.

ARMY CONFIDENCE & FUTURE OUTLOOK

  • Pinaka is regarded as one of India’s most successful indigenous artillery systems.
  • Chief of Army Staff, has indicated that:
    • Once longer-range Pinaka variants become fully operational,
    • The Army may reconsider importing alternative rocket systems.

DEFENCE EXPORT SUCCESS

  • Pinaka has emerged as a major defence export product.
  • It has already been procured by Armenia.
  • Several European countries, including France, have shown interest

INDIA’S DEFENCE EXPORT PUSH

Metric Data
Exports in FY 2013–14 ₹686 crore
Exports in FY 2023–24 ₹21,083 crore
Growth ~30-fold increase in a decade
Key Export Products Drones, radar systems, armoured vehicles, naval platforms, bulletproof jackets
Export Partners Armenia, Philippines, Vietnam, UAE, now expanding to Africa via Morocco