India’s indigenous Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL) has garnered significant international attention, with France expressing keen interest in acquiring the system for its own defence forces. After successfully exporting Pinaka to Armenia, France is now evaluating the system, with plans for a potential purchase.
Pinaka, developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has emerged as a highly effective weapon system capable of delivering multiple rockets within seconds. With a range of up to 75 kilometers, the system is designed to target enemy positions, including bunkers and artillery posts, making it a valuable addition to any military. The French Army, which currently lacks a comparable rocket system, has taken notice of Pinaka’s capabilities, especially after its performance during the Russia-Ukraine conflict, where it proved effective in warfare.
Brigadier General Stephane Richou of the French Army confirmed that the French Army is actively evaluating the Pinaka system, along with other potential systems. The process, however, is still in the early stages. As part of the ongoing defence cooperation, French military officials visited India recently for the 20th round of Army-to-Army Staff Talks, which further deepened the discussion on mutual defence goals.
The relationship between India and France in defence matters is longstanding and robust. France has already supplied India with advanced military equipment, such as Rafale fighter jets and Scorpene-class submarines, and more recently, a partnership was formed between France’s Safran and India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to produce helicopter engines locally under the “Make in India” initiative. If France moves forward with purchasing the Pinaka, it will represent a major achievement for India’s defence sector.
About Pinaka & Indian Army
Pinaka has been in service with the Indian Army since the mid-1990s and was instrumental during the Kargil War, targeting enemy positions with precision. Recent improvements, including the development of guided extended-range rockets, have enhanced the system’s capabilities, with an eventual goal to extend its range to 300 kilometers. With its successful trials and deployments, Pinaka is now regarded as one of the most advanced systems of its kind.
Defence Exports
India’s growing role as a defence exporter is evident in its increasing global market share. Armenia became the first customer for Pinaka, and other countries have shown interest in acquiring it. The potential sale of Pinaka to France would solidify India’s position in the global defence industry, showcasing its ability to design and manufacture cutting-edge military technologies.
In addition to its primary function as a rocket launcher, there are also plans to enhance the system’s versatility by adapting it for land mine laying. This development, along with the upcoming trials of the extended-range Pinaka rockets, indicates that India is focused on making the system even more effective on the battlefield.
India-France Defence Cooperation
The collaboration between India and France is expected to deepen in the coming years. As both nations continue to strengthen their defence ties, the possibility of France adopting India’s Pinaka system could be a game-changer for both countries. For India, it would be a significant milestone, furthering its global influence in the defence sector and cementing its role as a trusted partner for countries seeking advanced military technology.