The indigenous Guided Pinaka rockets can hit targets at a range of over 75 km and are equipped with a guidance kit that corrects their course during flight for enhanced accuracy. The final tests were conducted on November 10 and all technical requirements of the Army have been met.
Sources said the next step is to extend their range to 120 km in the first phase and to over 200 km in the second, work for which is already underway. The system has been designed by DRDO in partnership with four companies, including three private sector entities, that have already set up production facilities.
Given the success of similar systems in the Ukraine-Russia conflict, there is a growing global demand for long-range rockets, even as their supplies remain limited. It is learnt that current production capability available within the country can produce hundreds of the rockets on an annual basis, which can be increased to the thousands if orders are placed.
Sources said this is possible as the original Pinaka rockets, which had a range of about 37 km, are already being produced in required quantities and the same production facilities can churn out the long-range version as well. The programme involves Tata Advanced Systems Limited and Larsen and Toubro that make the launchers and Economic Explosives Limited and Munitions India Limited, which produce the ammunition.
While the Army is soon expected to place an order for the system as the defence ministry has given its ‘Acceptance of Necessity’ approval, the guided Pinaka is already marked for exports and an order has been placed by Armenia. Talks are also underway to export the system to more friendly foreign nations.The Indian rockets are being designed to operate from existing Pinaka Multi Barrel Rocket Launchers, which will give the armed forces considerable flexibility for deployment. Pakistan recently tested its Fatah II system that has been developed with Chinese help with a claimed, but unverified, range of 400 km.
