Army Accelerates Push for Indigenous Pinaka Rockets, Set to Finalize Rs 10,200 Crore Deals This Fiscal Year
Summary:
The Indian Army is moving forward with the acquisition of indigenous Pinaka rocket systems, with deals worth Rs 10,200 crore for ammunition expected to be finalized by the end of the fiscal year. These systems are aimed at strengthening the Army’s capabilities, with the addition of new regiments and the enhancement of ammunition range. The Pinaka system, alongside other defense products like BrahMos and Akash missiles, is also set for export to friendly nations. Additionally, a significant deal for advanced towed artillery guns is also in the works.
NEW DELHI: The Indian Army is fully backing the domestically developed Pinaka multi-launch artillery rocket systems, with upcoming orders worth Rs 10,200 crore for ammunition. India is also ramping up exports of these systems to other nations.
Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi announced that two Pinaka contracts — Rs 5,700 crore for high-explosive pre-fragmented ammunition and Rs 4,500 crore for area denial munitions —”are set to be signed before the conclusion of the current fiscal year on March 31.” These deals will support the 10 Pinaka regiments ordered by the Army, which is currently over 11 lakh strong and also uses Russian-origin Smerch and Grad rocket regiments. While four Pinaka regiments have already been inducted, some launchers have been deployed in high-altitude areas along the northern border with China. The induction of the remaining six regiments is underway to enhance the Army’s firepower. A senior officer remarked, “The Pinaka is one of the best rocket systems globally, with regiments optimized for high-altitude operations.”
The high-explosive pre-fragmented ammunition has a strike range of 45 km, while area denial munitions can reach 37 km and can saturate targets with bomblets, including anti-tank and anti-personnel mines. DRDO has developed various munitions for the Pinaka, including rockets with extended ranges of 45 km and 75 km, with plans to further enhance this to 120 km and eventually 300 km. General Dwivedi stated, “Once we achieve longer ranges, we might reconsider other long-range weapon options and focus on the Pinaka.”
The six new Pinaka regiments, under contracts with Bharat Earth Movers Ltd, Tata Advanced Systems, and Larsen & Toubro, will include 114 launchers with automated aiming systems, 45 command posts, and 330 vehicles. These regiments are equipped with enhanced weapon systems capable of firing a variety of munitions over extended distances.
India is also increasing efforts to export the Pinaka system, along with other defense products like BrahMos missiles and Akash air defense systems, to friendly nations. Armenia, a former Soviet republic, is set to import both Pinaka and Akash systems, as previously reported by TOI. Other countries in ASEAN, Africa, and Europe have also expressed interest in acquiring the Pinaka system.
Another key deal expected this fiscal is for 307 advanced towed artillery guns, worth Rs 8,500 crore, which are anticipated to have a strike range of 48 km.
Disclaimer:
The information provided regarding the Indian Army’s push for indigenous Pinaka rocket systems and associated defense deals is based on current reports and official statements. While efforts to enhance the Army’s capabilities and increase defense exports are ongoing, the details, timelines, and values mentioned are subject to change. The content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as official confirmation of future events or contracts. Please verify information with authoritative sources before drawing conclusions.
source : times of India { TOI }.