Defence Ministry signs over Rs 10,000-crore contract for Pinaka rocket system

These advanced ADM (DPICM) and HEPF ammunition will "play a crucial role in bolstering the Indian Army’s firepower by enabling precise and long-range strikes," the statement mentioned.

The government on Thursday inked contracts worth more than Rs 10,000 crore with defence entities for the procurement of Area Denial Munition Type-1 and high-explosive rockets with an enhanced range for the Pinaka multiple launch rocket system, aiming to enhance the Indian Army’s firepower capabilities.

The defence ministry, in a statement, also mentioned that a contract for an upgrade in Shakti software has been signed with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). The ministry signed contracts with Economic Explosive Limited (EEL) and Munitions India Limited (MIL) for the procurement of Area Denial Munition (ADM) Type-1 (DPICM) and High Explosive Pre Fragmented (HEPF) Mk-1 (Enhanced) rockets, respectively, for the Pinaka Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) at a total cost of Rs 10,147 crore.

"HEPF Mk-1 (E) rockets are an advanced version of the in-service HEPF rockets, which have an enhanced range to strike deep into enemy territory with precision and lethality," the statement said. The contracts were signed in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh in New Delhi.

ADM Type-1 of the Pinaka MLRS has a "specialised warhead" to deliver a quantum of sub-munitions over a larger area, targeting mechanized forces, vehicles, and personnel, thereby denying specific areas to the enemy, the ministry added.

The procurement of ADM Type-1 (DPICM) and HEPF Mk-1 (E) rockets will mark a "significant milestone" in the modernization of the artillery rocket regiments, officials said. These advanced ADM (DPICM) and HEPF ammunition will "play a crucial role in bolstering the Indian Army’s firepower by enabling precise and long-range strikes," the statement mentioned.

Beyond enhancing national defence capabilities, these projects have immense potential for direct and indirect employment generation by encouraging the Indian MSME sector through component manufacturing, the ministry said.

"The procurement marks a pivotal step towards modernising India’s defence infrastructure and empowering indigenous industries, which will be a proud flag-bearer of the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ vision of the government," the ministry added.