In a bid to enhance its long-range artillery capabilities, the Indian Army is eyeing the induction of the upgraded Pinaka rockets with a deep-strike range of 120 kms. The Defence Acquisitions Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, is set to take up the proposal worth Rs 2500 crore soon.
120 km strike range to hit enemy targets
The Ministry of Defence has been pushing the proposal for developing the indigenous multi-barrel rocket launchers (MBRL), previously exported to friendly nations. The new 120 km strike range Pinaka rockets can reportedly be fired from the same launcher, which can currently hit targets at 40 km and 75 km range.
THESE rockets can fire up to “12 rockets in 44 seconds”
According to Munitions India and Tata Advanced Systems, the multi-barrel launcher can fire up to “12 rockets in 44 seconds,” saturating a target area quickly even before relocating. The Pinaka system strengthens the Indian Army’s striking capability in modern warfare against countries like Pakistan and China.
Long-range artillery weapons to be developed by DRDO
These upgraded long-range artillery weapons would be developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It will be used to target enemy command centres, supply hubs, and bunkers in the wake of Operation Sindoor. The first trials are intended to be carried out soon, and after that, it will be developed with the Development-cum-Production Partners chosen after a bidding process, defence officials told news agency ANI.
