An enhanced Pinaka rocket fired during testing from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur, Odisha, on November 4, 2020. (Photo: Defence ministry)
New Delhi: The defence ministry’s Defence Acquisition Council has given the green signal to the Indian Army’s proposal to procure 6,400 new rockets for the Pinaka weapon system for deployment along the Pakistan and China borders, sources in the defence establishment told reporters, on Wednesday. The approval for the rocket acquisition is estimated to be valued at over ₹2,600 crore.
The rockets, known as area denial munition, will be of two types – Type 2 and Type 3. These rockets will only be procured Indian firms. The frontrunners to bag the deal are believed to be Solar Industries India Limited and the state-owned Munitions India Limited.
The Pinaka rockets pack a powerful punch and are designed for all-weather, indirect area fire.
Pinaka MBRL
The launchers for these rockets are designed and manufactured indigenously, including their critical subsystems, like the servo (servomechanism) system and fire-control system. Called the Pinaka MBRL (multi-barrel rocket launcher), it is a brainchild of the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO). The private companies involved in the project include Economic Explosives Limited (the parent company of Solar Industries India Limited), Larsen & Toubro, and Tata Defence.
The Pinaka MBRL’s strength lies in its ability to unleash a torrent of rockets against critical enemy positions in a flash. Its quick response capabilities and impressive pointing accuracy make it ideal for engaging time-sensitive targets, ensuring swift and decisive action on the battlefield.
The launcher is extremely powerful and sturdy. It is anchored by four hydraulically actuated outriggers. These provide a very high degree of stability even as the launcher unleashes its fiery payload.
The Pinaka system’s rocket-housing pods have six launcher tubes each. These are arranged in a precise 2x3 matrix. This design ensures optimal firing efficiency and target saturation.
The cabin of the vehicle on which the Pinaka system is mounted serves as the entire battery’s nerve centre. Here, the man-machine interface allows operators to control the launcher with precision.
Army’s requirement and export potential
The Indian Army requires 22 regiments of Pinaka MBRL. These regiments include MBRLs with automated gun-aiming and positioning systems, and command posts as well.
It may be mentioned that the Pinaka system is one of the few Indian military items that have been exported. In July this year, India fulfilled an order of four Pinaka batteries worth ₹2,000 crore to Armenia. Other countries, like Indonesia and Nigeria, have also shown interest in the Pinaka system.
