Major boost for India's defence exports as Rajnath Singh flags off 1st batch of Pinaka guided rockets for Armenia

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday flagged off the first batch of guided Pinaka rocket system bound for Armenia, in a major boost for India's defence exports.

The batch was flagged off from a facility in Maharashtra's Nagpur.

The export of the multi-barrel rocket launcher, renowned for its accuracy and extended range, signaled India's emergence as a reliable supplier of cutting-edge defence technology.

Armenia had, in September 2022, signed a Rs 2,000 crore contract for four Pinaka batteries, including unguided, extended-range, and guided variants. Armenia was the first international customer for the Pinaka system, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

Deliveries of the initial Pinaka unguided systems began in July 2023 and were completed by late 2024.

Rajnath Singh said that the exports of Pinaka missiles developed at the facility have begun, demonstrating the capabilities of the defence industry in further strengthening the export potential of the country. "India is no longer just an importer but is rapidly moving towards becoming an exporter," he said, according to an official statement by the Defence Ministry.

Singh also inaugurated the a medium calibre ammunition facility at SDAL in Nagpur. The facility is a fully automated plant manufacturing 30mm ammunition, which is extensively used by the Indian Army and the Indian Navy.

Observing that India is steadily marching forward in ammunition production as it is manufacturing quality and reliable products, Singh said that the government is focusing on ensuring that the private sector’s role in defence manufacturing reaches 50 per cent or more in the coming days.