India Showcases Pinaka System Capability In Latest Test As France and Armenia Look To Buy The Rockets

Amid the rising global demand for India's Pinaka rockets, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully conducted a flight test of the advanced guided weapon system.

The test focused on evaluating Pinaka's range, accuracy, consistency, and rate of fire for multiple target engagement in a salvo mode.

"Defence Research and Development Organisation or DRDO has successfully completed the flight-tests of Guided Pinaka Weapon System as part of Provisional Staff Qualitative Requirements (PSQR) validation trials," the Defence Ministry said on Thursday (14 November).

The ministry added that the flight-tests have been conducted in three phases at different field firing ranges.

"Twelve rockets from each production agency from two in-service Pinaka launchers upgraded by the launcher production agencies have been tested," the statement said.

With the latest test, India's defence manufacturing push under 'Make in India' is gaining momentum.

France has recently showed interest in the Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher or MBRL system to bolster its defences.

Comparable to the US’ HIMARS system, Pinaka became India’s first significant defence export when Armenia placed an order.

Now France is reportedly in advanced talks for the system and plans to test it in the coming weeks.

Named after Lord Shiva’s divine bow, the Pinaka rocket system replaced the Russian Grad BM-21 rocket launcher for the Indian Army. It was first used in the 1999 Kargil War, where it proved crucial in destroying Pakistani positions at strategic heights.

Developed by the Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE) under DRDO, the Pinaka system features a free-flight artillery rocket with a maximum range of 38 km and different types of warheads and fuzes.

It comprises a multi-tube launcher vehicle, replenishment-cum-loader vehicle, replenishment vehicle, and command post vehicle.

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