India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has achieved a significant milestone with the successful flight-tests of its advanced guided Pinaka Weapon System on Nov 14, 2024.
As global defence demand increases, the Pinaka has already garnered international attention, with countries like France and Armenia lining up to purchase it. The system, which first saw action during the 1999 Kargil War, has since undergone significant upgrades and is now on par with some of the world’s leading rocket systems, including the United States’ HIMARS
A Legacy of Precision and Power
Named after Lord Shiva’s divine bow, the Pinaka rocket system was originally designed to replace the Soviet-era Grad BM-21 rocket launcher. Its first deployment came during the Kargil War, where it played a crucial role in neutralizing enemy positions in challenging terrain. This experience demonstrated its potential for delivering devastating firepower with precision.
Today, the Pinaka system has evolved into an advanced weapon system with enhanced capabilities. Developed by DRDO’s Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), the Pinaka features a free-flight artillery rocket with an impressive range of up to 60 km. The system includes multi-tube launchers capable of firing 12 rockets in quick succession, providing a lethal combination of speed and power. A single salvo can cover a target area of 700 x 500 meters, neutralizing multiple targets within seconds.
The guided version of the Pinaka, which features precision strike capabilities, represents the pinnacle of this technological evolution. The guided system uses seekers for accurate targeting, significantly improving its range and accuracy compared to the earlier, unguided models. The current range of the guided Pinaka is 60 km, but DRDO is already working on versions capable of ranges exceeding 120 km, 150 km, and even 200 km. This advancement is particularly strategic for India, as it seeks to counter China’s formidable long-range rocket systems along its borders.
A Key Player in India’s Defence Export Strategy
The growing global interest in the Pinaka system marks a major success for India’s ‘Make in India’ defence initiative. With France now considering the Pinaka for its artillery forces and Armenia already placing an order, India’s position as a serious player in the global defence export market is becoming increasingly clear.
France, a long-time partner of India in defence matters, is particularly keen on the Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL). Sources have revealed that discussions are at an advanced stage, and France is set to test the system in the coming weeks. This interest from France highlights not just the capability of the Pinaka system but also India’s growing reputation as a reliable defence exporter.
Armenia’s purchase of the Pinaka, which was delivered via Iran in 2023, also underscores the system’s strategic value in regional conflicts. Armenia, engaged in ongoing tensions with Azerbaijan, recognized the Pinaka as an ideal solution to enhance its missile capabilities. The system’s ability to launch multiple rockets in rapid succession and hit multiple targets in a single salvo makes it a highly effective tool in modern warfare.
Comparing with China’s Long-Range Rocket Systems
While the Pinaka is gaining traction on the global stage, it is essential to compare it with similar systems in the region, particularly China’s advanced rocket artillery. China’s long-range multiple rocket launchers, such as the WS-2 and the AR-1, are formidable threats with ranges exceeding 150 km. However, India’s development of the guided Pinaka system with extended ranges of 120 km, 150 km, and 200 km aims to match or surpass these capabilities, providing India with a much-needed countermeasure.
The guided Pinaka is designed to offer not only extended range but also greater accuracy and versatility. Its ability to fire in multiple modes—manual, remote, stand-alone, and autonomous—enhances its effectiveness in a variety of combat scenarios. Moreover, the system’s shoot-and-scoot capability, which allows the launcher to quickly relocate after firing to avoid counter-battery fire, adds a layer of tactical advantage that is crucial in modern warfare, especially in high-intensity border conflicts like those with China and Pakistan.
The Future of Pinaka: A Strategic Asset for India
The successful test of the Pinaka rocket system reinforces India’s growing capabilities in defence technology and its potential to become a leading exporter of high-tech weaponry. As India continues to refine the Pinaka’s range and accuracy, it will not only bolster its own national security but also strengthen its position in the global arms market. With countries like France and Armenia already expressing interest and India’s own strategic priorities in mind, the Pinaka system is poised to become a key asset in the international defence landscape.
As the Pinaka evolves, it is clear that India is not just enhancing its military capabilities but also positioning itself as a serious competitor in the global defence market. The combination of cutting-edge technology, precision strikes, and a growing international demand underscores the importance of the Pinaka in shaping the future of modern warfare.