Acquisition of 120 km Guided Pinaka Rockets
A Leap in Long-Range Capabilities
The Indian Army is set to significantly enhance its long-range artillery capabilities by acquiring 120 km long-range guided Pinaka rockets. This initiative, estimated to cost approximately ₹2,500 crore, aligns with India’s commitment to bolstering its defense infrastructure and achieving self-reliance under the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is leading the development of these advanced munitions. Initial trials are anticipated soon, and these new rockets are designed for compatibility with existing Indian Army Pinaka launchers. The proposal awaits approval from the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
Pinaka MLRS firing at dawn, demonstrating strategic capability.
Unpacking the Pinaka Mk-3: Precision and Power
The proposed 120 km long-range guided Pinaka rockets, known as the Pinaka Mk-3, represent a significant advancement for India’s indigenous multi-barrel rocket launcher (MBRL) system, offering enhanced long-range engagement and precision strikes.
Key Technical Specifications of the Pinaka Mk-3:
- • Extended Range: Boasts a strike range of 120 kilometers, with future variants planned for 200 km and up to 300 km.
- • Increased Calibre and Warhead: Reportedly designed with a larger 300 mm calibre (compared to the 214 mm of earlier variants), carrying a heavier warhead of approximately 250 kg (compared to 100 kg of older models). The rocket measures 7.2 meters in length.
- • Sophisticated Guidance System: Equipped with a state-of-the-art guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) kit, including integrated GPS/INS and a laser-gyro navigation system. This aims to reduce the Circular Error Probable (CEP) to less than 10 meters, a substantial improvement over the unguided Pinaka Mk1’s ~500 meters.
- • Rapid Deployment and Speed: Can be fired in 44 seconds, achieve a maximum speed of Mach 4.7, reach an altitude of 40 km, and descend to hit targets at Mach 1.8.
- • Backward Compatibility: Can be fired from existing Pinaka MBRL launchers with minimal or no modifications. A standard launcher can carry two pods, with guided variants typically holding eight rockets. A battery of six launchers can fire 72 rockets in 44 seconds, saturating an area of 700m x 500m.
Pinaka Mk-3 Technical Infographic
Strategic Implications: India’s Defense Posture
- • Enhanced Standoff Strike Capability: Enables engagement of targets deep within enemy territory from a safer distance, facilitating precision strikes against critical infrastructure, command posts, fortified bunkers, and logistics centers, thereby boosting strategic deterrence.
- • Transformation of Artillery Doctrine: Will revolutionize the Indian Army’s artillery doctrine by providing a highly accurate, long-range fire support system, keeping Pinaka regiments at the forefront of networked artillery with improved fire control and real-time targeting.
- • Indigenous Artillery Prowess and Self-Reliance: Demonstrates India’s commitment to self-reliance in defense manufacturing under the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ ethos, positioning indigenous artillery as a competitive and cost-effective alternative to imported systems.
- • Effectiveness in Challenging Terrains: The advanced guidance system makes it exceptionally effective in mountainous terrains like Ladakh and Kargil for addressing border security challenges.
- • Increased Firepower and Accuracy: Delivers accurate and massive firepower at a high rate over extended ranges, offering a crucial edge in modern artillery warfare with high operational mobility, flexibility, and accuracy.
Visual Concept: A stylized map illustrating Pinaka Mk-3’s extended range capabilities from key military bases, symbolizing standoff strike and strategic deterrence.
Evolution of the Pinaka MBRL System
Pinaka Mk-1
Developed for area saturation.
- Range: ~40 km (up to 48 km enhanced).
- Fired 12 unguided rockets in 44 seconds.
- Deployed during Kargil War in 1999.
Pinaka Mk-2
Enhanced Range & Guidance.
- Unguided range: 60-75 km (ER variant 90 km).
- Guided Pinaka: GPS/NavIC satellite guidance.
- Precision: CEP of 7 to 60 meters.
Pinaka Mk-3
Long-Range Precision (latest variant).
- Target Range: 120 km (future 200-300 km).
- Calibre: Upgraded 300 mm.
- Payload: 250 kg.
- Precision: CEP < 10 meters.
“Make in India” in Action: Public-Private Partnership
The development of the Pinaka system exemplifies the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative in defense manufacturing, with the DRDO fostering collaboration between public and private sector entities.
Key private sector players include:
✪ Solar Industries (EEL): Manufactures Pinaka rockets.
✪ Larsen & Toubro (L&T): Manufactures launchers and command posts.
✪ Tata Advanced Systems (TASL): Develops and supplies launchers.
Public Sector Undertakings like Munitions India Limited (MIL), Yantra India Limited (YIL), and Bharat Earth Movers Ltd (BEML) also play vital roles.
Visual Concept: A collage of key Indian defense company logos and a factory scene, emphasizing “Make in India” collaboration and innovation.
Global Recognition: Pinaka’s Export Potential
The Pinaka rocket system has attracted significant international interest, highlighting India’s growing role as a defense exporter.
🌎 Armenia: Confirmed international buyer (₹2,000 crore deal).
🌎 France: Actively evaluating the guided version.
🌎 Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, Indonesia: Expressed interest.
The successful deployment in Armenia is expected to drive further export opportunities, with interest from other European and Southeast Asian nations.
The Road Ahead: Timeline for Pinaka Mk-3’s Induction
’24 2024: Development commenced for the 120 km range Pinaka rockets.
’25 Early 2025: Developmental trials are scheduled to begin, focusing on range, accuracy, consistency, and rate of fire.
October 2025: First test firing of the new 300 mm rocket for the Pinaka Mk-III is scheduled, with user trials by the Indian Army anticipated by the end of 2025.
December 2025: The Indian Army formally initiated the procurement project with a ₹2,500 crore proposal to the Defence Ministry.
’26+ Post-Approval: Following successful trials and DAC clearance, co-development and manufacturing will proceed with selected Development-cum-Production Partners.
’28 2028 (Projected Induction): The Pinaka Mk-3 (120 km range) is slated for full army induction within three years from June 2025, with full operational clearance projected by the decade’s end.
This timeline indicates a rapid progression to integrate this capability, strengthening existing Pinaka regiments and bridging the gap between conventional rocket artillery and ballistic missiles.
Securing India’s Future with Advanced Artillery
The Indian Army’s acquisition of 120 km long-range guided Pinaka rockets is a crucial step in modernizing its long-range artillery capabilities and reinforcing national security. Developed by DRDO and supported by the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ vision, the Pinaka Mk-3 embodies indigenous innovation, precision engineering, and strategic foresight.
As the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) reviews the ₹2,500 crore proposal, anticipation grows for a system that promises enhanced precision strikes, superior strategic deterrence, and a significant boost to India’s defense self-reliance. This evolution of the Pinaka system not only strengthens India’s military might but also positions it as a potential global defense exporter, ensuring the Indian Army remains at the forefront of modern warfare.
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