India on Monday (December 29, 2025) successfully conducted the maiden flight test of the Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR-120), marking a significant leap in the country’s long-range precision strike and artillery firepower.
The test, carried out at the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur, Odisha, validated the rocket’s maximum range of 120 km and its ability to accurately engage targets with high precision
How did Pinaka LRGR-120 perform during the test?
According to the Ministry of Defence, the LRGR-120 performed all planned in-flight manoeuvres and impacted the designated target with “textbook precision.”
The rocket was launched from the in-service Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher, demonstrating the system’s versatility and its capability to fire multiple Pinaka variants of different ranges from the same launcher platform.
All range instrumentation systems tracked the rocket throughout its trajectory, confirming the robustness of its guidance, navigation and control systems. The successful trial reinforces India’s push to enhance indigenous, long-range guided munitions for the Armed Forces.
Which DRDO labs were part of Pinaka LRGR-120 development?
The LRGR-120 has been designed by the DRDO’s Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) in collaboration with the High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL), with support from the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) and Research Centre Imarat (RCI). The flight trial was coordinated by ITR Chandipur and the Proof and Experimental Establishment.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO and all stakeholders, describing the development of long-range guided rockets as a “game-changer” that will significantly strengthen the operational capabilities of the Indian Armed Forces. DRDO Chairman and Secretary, Department of Defence R&D, Dr Samir V Kamat, who witnessed the trial, also lauded the teams for successfully meeting all mission objectives.
The successful test underscores India’s growing self-reliance in advanced rocket and missile technologies under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.