Indian Army Eyes 120-km Pinaka Rockets In ₹2,500-Crore Push To Boost Long-Range Strike Capability
A Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher during a live firing as the Indian Army moves to extend the reach of its artillery systems and enhance long-range strike options using indigenous platforms. Image courtesy: X.com/@SpokespersonMOD
In a major step to further strengthen its long-range artillery firepower, the Indian Army is moving ahead with plans to induct next-generation Pinaka rockets with a strike range of up to 120 kilometres, in a proposal valued at around ₹2,500 crore.
The move comes as part of the Army’s post–Operation Sindoor capability enhancement drive, aimed at ensuring deep-strike options along both western and northern fronts.
How would Pinaka be developed through private sector?
Defence sources said the extended-range rockets will be developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), with initial trials expected in the near future.
Following successful tests, the system will be taken forward under the Development-cum-Production Partner (DcPP) model, with private and public sector firms selected through a competitive bidding process.
The proposal is likely to be placed before the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) for approval shortly.
How would the new Pinaka be compatible with the existing system?
Significantly, the new 120-km rockets will be compatible with existing Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher (MBRL) systems.
At present, the Pinaka can fire rockets with ranges of 40 km and over 75 km, allowing the Army to progressively upgrade its strike envelope without inducting entirely new launch platforms.
Why does the move reflect self-reliance?
The push reflects the Defence Ministry’s strong emphasis on indigenous artillery systems under the Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) initiative.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has consistently backed the Pinaka programme, which has emerged as one of India’s most successful homegrown weapon systems, both operationally and in exports.
How is the Indian Army strengthening Pinaka regiments?
Parallel to the long-range upgrade, the Army is also strengthening existing Pinaka regiments.
Earlier this year, the Ministry of Defence signed contracts worth ₹10,147 crore with Economic Explosives Limited (EEL) and Munitions India Limited (MIL) for Area Denial Munition (ADM) Type-1 (DPICM) and High Explosive Pre-Fragmented (HEPF) Mk-1 (Enhanced) rockets.
A separate contract was inked with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) to upgrade the SHAKTI artillery command-and-control software, improving targeting and battlefield integration.
What is the Pinaka system?
Developed by DRDO, the Pinaka MLRS is known for its rapid deployment, high accuracy, and saturation strike capability. The DRDO is already at an advanced stage of developing the 120-km variant, with the first test expected in the next financial year.
Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi has publicly underlined the Army’s confidence in the system, indicating that once longer-range Pinaka variants are operational, the service may reconsider plans for alternative rocket artillery options.
Beyond domestic induction, Pinaka has also become a strong export success, with Armenia already inducting the system and several European countries, including France, expressing interest, underscoring India’s growing stature in the global defence market.
