France in talks with India to buy Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher system: Report

Pinaka was demonstrated to a French delegation in India late last year

France is in talks with the defence ministry to buy Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher system in what could be a landmark export order for India, The Economic Times has reported.

Pinaka was demonstrated to a French delegation in India late last year.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who in Paris to co-chair AI Action Summit, held wide-ranging talks with French President Emmanuel Macron in the port city of Marseilles.

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Defence, security and sovereignty were at the core of the discussions between the two leaders, the report cited sources as saying. Issues like expanding French presence in the Indian Ocean Region and economic partnership besides strengthening counter-terror cooperation were also discussed.

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.

France has emerged as a key defence partner for India, providing advanced military technology and fostering long-term strategic collaboration. Joint defence exercises such as VARUNA (naval), GARUDA (air force), and SHAKTI (army) have further strengthened operational coordination, ensuring that both countries remain prepared for evolving security challenges.

India will procure 26 naval variant of Rafale jets and three additional Scorpene submarines from France soon.

Modi will leave for the United States on February 12 for a two-day visit.