News Brief
India's Pinaka Rocket Launcher Emerges As Potential Solution For French Artillery Needs
Pinaka multi barrel rocket launcher.
France confirmed it is evaluating India's indigenously developed Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher system for potential procurement, marking a significant shift in the traditional defence relationship between the two nations.
Brigadier General Stephane Richou of the French Army stated that France is evaluating the Pinaka system because it needs such a capability, comparing it with other systems offered by leading defence-producing countries.
Developed by India's Defence Research and Development Organisation, the Pinaka system has a maximum range of 45 kilometres for the Mark-I Enhanced version and 90 kilometres for the Mark-II ER version, and can fire a salvo of 12 high-explosive rockets per launcher in 44 seconds.
The system proved its effectiveness during the Kargil War, where it successfully neutralised Pakistani positions on mountain tops. The weapon system has since been inducted into the Indian Army in large numbers and demonstrated to a French delegation in India several months ago.
Armenia signed a combined deal worth Rs 2,000 crore for four Pinaka batteries and other defence equipment, with deliveries concluded by November 2024.
The capabilities of the Pinaka rocket system were demonstrated to a French delegation in India a few months ago and found to be satisfactory.
The potential French acquisition would represent a milestone in India-France defence cooperation, which has traditionally seen Paris as a major supplier to Delhi.
Among significant achievements in the defence partnership are the P-75 Scorpene Project and the delivery of 36 Rafale aircraft by France to India, with an Inter-Governmental Agreement for procurement of 26 Rafale-M aircraft for the Indian Navy.
