Army's Rs 10,200-crore push for Pinaka: What is it and why this indigenous rocket system matters to India

The first lot of the Pinaka multi barrel rocket launcher systems was reportedly supplied to Armenia

The Army is set to finalise orders worth Rs 10,200 crore for the indigenous Pinaka multi-launch artillery rocket systems, according to a report by Times of India.

According to Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi, two Pinaka contracts, Rs 5,700 crore for high-explosive pre-fragmented ammunition and Rs 4,500 crore for area denial munitions, will be inked before the current fiscal ends on March 31.

"If the extended-range ammunition meets our requirements, we may not need other long-range systems. Pinaka could become our primary focus," General Dwivedi had said earlier.

As global defence demand increases, the Pinaka has already garnered international attention, with countries like France and Armenia lining up to purchase it. The TOI report stated that the Army has already inducted four Pinaka regiments. Some of the launchers have also been deployed in high-altitude areas along the northern borders with China. “The Pinaka is one of the best rocket systems in the world. Its regiments have been high-altitude enabled,” a defence ministry insider told TOI.

What is Pinaka?

The Pinaka MBRL, named after the legendary bow of Lord Shiva, was originally designed to replace the Soviet-era Grad BM-21 rocket launcher. During its first deployment in the Kargil War, it played a crucial role in neutralising enemy positions in challenging terrain.

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, neutralising multiple targets within seconds.

Demand for Pinaka

The first lot of the Pinaka multi barrel rocket launcher systems was reportedly supplied to Armenia. According to TOI, some Asean, African and European countries have also shown interest in acquiring the Pinaka systems. Another major deal to be inked within this fiscal for the Army’s Regiment of Artillery will be the Rs 8,500 crore one for 307 indigenous advanced towed artillery gun systems, which is touted to have a strike range of 48 km, stated the TOI report.

The system’s capability to deliver precise strikes at high altitudes has made it one of the most advanced artillery rocket systems globally. With countries such as France and Armenia already expressing interest and India’s own strategic priorities in mind, the Pinaka system is expected to become a key asset in the international defence landscape.