In a major boost for indigenous weapon systems, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has approved a project worth over ₹10,000 crore to procure ammunition for the Indian Army’s Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher systems.
The Indian Army’s procurement plan, which includes Area Denial Munitions and Pinaka Enhanced Range rockets, was cleared by the CCS in a meeting on Wednesday, defense sources told ANI.
The project will be split between Nagpur-based Solar Industries and Munitions India Limited (MIL), a former Ordnance Factory Board company, they added.
During his annual press conference on January 13, Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi stated that contracts for Pinaka munitions—worth ₹5,700 crore for high-explosive ammunition and ₹4,500 crore for area denial munitions—were expected to receive government approval soon.
Meanwhile, the DRDO is in the advanced stages of developing a 120 km strike version of the Pinaka rocket, with the first test expected in the next financial year.
The rockets approved by the CCS have a range of approximately 45 km and are expected to be highly effective along both the Pakistan and China borders.
Among India’s most successful indigenous weapon systems, the Pinaka has strong backing from the Army. Gen Dwivedi has indicated that once longer-range versions are ready, the Army may drop plans for alternative weapons.
The Pinaka has also seen success in the export market, with Armenia already purchasing the system and several European countries, including France, expressing interest.
