Pinaka (lit. 'Bow of Lord Shiva') is a multiple launch rocket system produced in India and developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for the Indian Army. The multi-barrel rocket launcher (MBRL) has a maximum range of 45 km (28 mi) for Mark-I Enhanced and 120 km (75 mi) for Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR) version, and can fire a salvo of 12 HE rockets per launcher in 44 seconds. The system is mounted on a Tatra truck frame. Pinaka saw service during the Kargil War, where it was successful in neutralising Pakistani positions on the mountain tops. It has since been inducted into the Indian Army in large numbers.
| Pinaka | |
|---|---|
Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher | |
| Type | Multiple launch rocket system |
| Place of origin | India |
| Service history | |
| Used by | See Operators |
| Wars | Kargil War |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Armament Research and Development Establishment |
| Designed | 1986-present |
| Manufacturer |
|
| Unit cost | ₹430 crore (equivalent to ₹506 crore or US$60 million in 2023) per regiment |
| Produced | 1994-present |
| Variants | See Specifications |
| Specifications | |
| Barrels | 8 or 12 |
| Rate of fire |
|
| Effective firing range |
|
| Warhead | HMX (high explosive fragmentation, cluster munition–incendiary, anti-personnel, anti-tank, mine-laying) |
| Engine | T-930 multi-fuel turbocharged V8 engine with intercooler |
| Payload capacity | 22 tonne |
| Suspension | Leaf spring and air suspension with telescopic shock absorbers |
| Propellant | High-energy composite solid fuel |
Operational range | ~800 km |
| Flight altitude | 40 km (25 mi) |
| Maximum speed | Rocket: Mach 4.7 Launcher: 80 km/h (50 mph) |
| Transport | BEML-Tatra T813 8WD BEML-Tatra T815 8WD |
In April 2013, ₹1,388.80 crore (equivalent to ₹24 billion or US$280 million in 2023) was sanctioned for increasing the production capacity of Pinaka rockets from then 1,000 to 5,000 per year. Unutilised land of the Yantra India Limited was also being considered for further capacity expansion when production of advanced variants would commence. The expansion was completed by 2014.
Development
In 1981, in response to the Indian Army's need for a long range artillery system, the Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) sanctioned two confidence building projects. In July 1983, the Army formulated their General Staff Qualitative Requirement (GSQR) for the system. The Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE) was appointed the System Coordinator for the project. The project included seven other laboratories of the DRDO, such as the Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE), High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL) and Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE).
The DRDO was to fabricate seven launcher vehicles, of which six were to be supplied to the Army for user trials, three replenishment-cum-loader vehicles including two for the Army’s user trials, one command post vehicle. Induction was planned at the rate of one Regiment per year from 1994 onwards. This system would eventually replace the BM-21 Grad and BM-30 Smerch of the Indian Army.
Ammunition
Mark 1
Development began in December 1986, with a sanctioned budget of ₹26.47 crore (equivalent to ₹360 crore or US$43 million in 2023). The development was to be completed in December 1992. As per a report the prototype was rolled out by 1992. The user trials of the system by the Army began by February 1999 after the developmental trials. The user trials ended in December 1999. The first order for full-rate production was placed with Ordnance Factory in 2007.
The Pinaka is in the process of further improvement. Israel Military Industries cooperated with DRDO to implement its Trajectory Correction System (TCS) on the Pinaka, for further improvement of its CEP. Said programme is indicated to have greatly increased the CEP of the Pinaka The rockets can also be guided by GPS to improve their accuracy. A wraparound microstrip antenna has been developed by DRDO for this system.
Sagem completed delivery of its Sigma 30 laser-gyro artillery navigation and pointing system for two Pinaka MBRL systems in June 2010. The Sigma 30 artillery navigation and pointing system is designed for high-precision firing at short notice. The systems would be integrated by Tata Power SED and Larsen & Toubro. The system was ordered in February 2008.
To decrease single source dependency from Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) and increase competition in product pricing front, final developmental trials of Pinaka manufactured fully by Indian private sector Solar Industries under Transfer of Technology agreement from DRDO were successfully conducted by Indian Army at Pokhran Range on 19 August 2020. As of December 2021, the trials of rockets developed by Economic Explosives Ltd. (subsidiary of Solar Industries Group) and Yantra India Limited-Munitions India Limited (YIL-MIL) are underway for two variants, Mk-I Enhanced and Mk-I ADM. The order for these variants are to be placed with one or two of the competitors in order to replace the shorter ranged Mk-I variant rockets.
The Area Denial Munition (ADM) Type-1's warhead comprises a DPICM sub-munitions offering anti-access/area denial capabilities to the force against mechanised forces, vehicles and personnel. The orders for ADM Type 1 and Mk-1 Enhanced were placed on 6 February 2025. The Enhanced variant was inducted as of June 2025.
Further development
Mark 2
Pinaka Mk II is being developed by Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), Pune; Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad; and Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad. This is the second generation variant of Pinaka MBRL.
Pinaka Mark 2 was pursued as part of an incremental development approach to extend the range of Pinaka Mark 1, while the Guided Pinaka emerged as a parallel derivative focused on improving accuracy and precision through the addition of a guidance section.
Pinaka Mark 2 manufactured by Solar Industries completed User Assisted Technical Trial (UATT) on 8 December 2021 and will now go for user trial which will be completed by March 2022. In the meantime, Yantra India Limited-Munitions India Limited (YIL-MIL) is developing prototype of Pinaka Mark 2 due to delay in transfer of technology by ARDE as of December 2021.
Guided Pinaka
The Guided Pinaka rockets is a variant of Mark II. It is equipped with a navigation, guidance, control kit and has considerably enhanced the range and accuracy of the missile. The rocket has an enhanced range of 75–80 km (47–50 mi) with an accuracy of 60–80 m (200–260 ft) at all ranges. The rockets are equipped with Inertial Navigation System (INS) and Global Positioning System (GPS).
As of September 2022, Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has cleared the procurement proposal of induction of Guided Pinaka variant. The Flight Trials of Guided Pinaka as part of Validation Trials were completed in November 2024.
LRGR 120
In 2005, ARDE revealed about the development of a long range MRL similar to the Smerch MRLS. A 7.2-metre rocket for the Pinaka MBRL, which can reach a distance of 120 km and carry a 250 kg payload will be developed. These new rockets can be fired in 44 seconds, have a maximum speed of Mach 4.7, rise to an altitude of 40 km before hitting its target at Mach 1.8. Integrating UAVs with the Pinaka is also in the pipeline, as DRDO intends to install guidance systems on these rockets to increase their accuracy.
On 17 January 2024, reports revealed that DRDO is developing two new variants of Pinaka rockets, one with a range of 120 km and the other with a range of over 200 km.
On 24 January 2024, few other reports revealed that the range of the rockets shall be 120 km and 300 km, respectively. The development of new variants have been approved by the Indian Army. While the 120 km rocket is to have the same calibre as of the earlier variants (214 mm), enabling it to be fired from earlier launchers, the Preliminary Services Qualitative Requirements of the other variant is being chalked out.
As of February 2025, the developmental trials for 120 km-range rockets are expected to commence within few months. The development process began in 2024, and the first test is scheduled for October 2025. Economic Explosives Limited has developed the LRGR 120 rocket system's pre-production units.
As per reports published in December 2025, the Indian Army has initiated a project to induct 120 km range Pinaka rockets at a cost of ₹2,500 crore (US$300 million). The service had sent a proposal to the defence ministry to be considered by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC). The rockets would be compatible with in-service Pinaka launchers. The project, referred to as Long Range Guided Rockets, was cleared by the DAC on 29 December.
Ejectable Rocket Ignition System
For the LRGR 120, ARDE is developing a modular ignition system to increase range, fuel efficiency, and reduce rocket reloading time. In order to lessen the rocket's weight while in flight, it is made to detach from the rocket after launch.
Ramjet propulsion
A group of researchers led by Lieutenant General P.R. Shankar, a professor in the aerospace department at IIT Madras and the former Director General of Artillery for the Indian Army Combat and Combat Support Arms, are developing ramjet propulsion technology that will be incorporated into the Pinaka rockets. It is anticipated that the range of 210–214 mm rocket will increase at 225–250 km with the addition of ramjet propulsion, all the while preserving the operational flexibility of the system.
Air Force and Navy variants
In February 2025, it was reported that DRDO has commenced development of Pinaka variant for naval and air force applications. The DRDO has already received the Provisional Staff Qualitative Requirements (PSQR) from the Navy. The naval variant with a range of 75 km is to be flight tested in 2025 and will have underwater applications including submarine countermeasures. The Air Force also intends to operate surface-to-surface variants as a cost-effective alternative to Pralay missile as well as an air-to-surface variant for integration on the Mirage-2000, HAL Tejas and the Su-30MKI.
Testing
- The first tests of the rocket system (Pinaka Mk-I) was conducted in late 1990, around 1995.
- User trials of the Pinaka Mk-I was carried out from February to December in 1999. It also took part in the Kargil War.
- From 30 to 31 January 2013, seven rounds of Pinaka Mk-I were successfully fired from the test range of Proof and Experimental Establishment (PXE) at Chandipur for developmental trials. The tests were conducted by personnel of Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE) between 11:00 am and 12:00 pm IST on 31 January. The tests were conducted at a range of 30 km.
- On 28 July 2013, successful firing trials of Pinaka Mk-II were conducted in the Chandan area of Pokhran Range, Rajasthan by DRDO and Army personnel. The rockets destroyed the targets in Keru area, 30 km from the point of launch.
- On 7 August 2013, tests for two rounds of Pinaka Mk-II fired from the test range of PXE at Chandipur failed to provide desired results.
- On 20 December 2013, six rounds of Pinaka Mk-II were successfully fired from the test range of PXE at Chandipur for developmental trials. This test, conducted by ARDE personnel, was reportedly conducted post a failed attempt to test the same variant four months back in August.
- On 30 May 2014, three rounds of Pinaka Mk-II were successfully fired from the test range of PXE at Chandipur by ARDE. The rockets were launched at a range of 61 km against its then maximum range of 65 km.
- On 20 May 2016, two rounds of Pinaka rockets were fired from the test range of PXE at Chandipur at 11:35 pm IST and 01:15 pm IST to validate a new technology in order to incorporate a new guidance system. The objective was to record data from the flights for further analysis which will be used for the future guided Pinaka. The tests were successful. On 23 May 2016, further two Pinaka rockets were successfully fired again from the same range.
- On 12 and 24 January 2017, maiden successful trials of the Guided Pinaka was conducted in two phases at range of 65 km and 75 km, respectively, from Launch Complex-III (LC-III), Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur. The second trial was conducted at 12:45 pm IST.
- On 30 May 2018, two rounds of tests of the Guided Pinaka were successfully conducted from the PXE at Chandipur.
- On 11 and 12 March 2019, Guided Pinaka rockets were fired twice and once, respectively at the Pokhran Range, Rajasthan. All the trials were successful.
- On 19 December 2019, a Guided Pinaka version rocket was tested at a range of 75 km.
- On 20 December 2019, two Guided Pinaka variant rockets, with live warheads, were fired in salvo mode at an interval of 60 seconds at low range of 20 km at 11:00 am IST from the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur. The proximity fuse initiation and accuracy at low ranges. A newer Pinaka variant was reported to be flight tested at a range of up to 90 km.
- On 19 August 2020, Pinaka Mk I Enhanced variant rockets, manufactured by Economic Explosives Ltd. of Solar Group, were tested successfully from Pokhran Range, Rajasthan. This was the first time in India that a munition of this kind was manufactured and tested by a private sector company. On 20 August 2020, trials for Pinaka Guided was carried out for the first time.
- On 4 November 2020, a series of 6 Pinaka Mk I Enhanced variant rockets, manufactured by Economic Explosives Ltd. of Solar Group, were tested successfully from Integrated Test Range, Chandipur. The variant is expected to replace the older Mark I variant in production. This time DRDO has decreased the size of the rockets compared to the older generation Mark I.
- On 24 June 2021, DRDO successfully fired 25 Pinaka Mk I Enhanced variant at a range of 45 km in quick succession mode as part of saturation attack simulation. The rockets were manufactured by EEL. On 25 June 2021, DRDO successfully test fired 40 km range 122 mm calibre rocket which are made to replace the older BM-21 Grad rockets in the Indian Army.
- December 2021 trials: A total of 24 rockets of multiple variants were fired at Pokhran Range.
- On 8 December 2021, Pinaka Mk-I Enhanced was successfully tested at a range of 45 km. The variant was manufactured by Economic Explosives Ltd (EEL). The User Assisted Technical Trial (UATT) of Pinaka Mk-II produced by EEL was also completed the same day. Further user trials for Pinaka Mk-II variants produced by both EEL and YIL is to undergo user trials by March 2022.
- On 10 December 2021, Pinaka Area Denial Munition (ADM) variant, equipped with Dual-Purpose Improved Conventional Munition (DPICM) was tested. The tests included the rockets manufactured by both Economic Explosives Ltd (EEL) and Yantra India Limited (YIL). While both the manufacturers claimed success of the trials, it was confirmed that for the YIL's variant 96.6% of the DPICM exploded surpassing benchmark set at 90%. During these tests, ARDE evaluated locally developed Direct-Action Self Destruction (DASD) and Anti-Tank Munition (ATM) fuses.
- In April 2022, a total of 24 Enhanced Pinaka Rocket System (EPRS) along with Pinaka ADM were fired at Pokhran Range for different ranges. The rockets developed by Yantra India Limited-Munitions India Limited (YIL-MIL) were flight tested during the trials.
- In the last two weeks of August 2022, user trials of Pinaka Enhanced were conducted from both Pokhran Range and Integrated Test Range, Balasore. Rockets developed by both the manufacturers MIL and EEL successfully passed the trials.
- On 14 November 2024, DRDO completed the final Flight Tests of Guided Pinaka Weapon Systems as part of Provisional Staff Qualitative Requirements (PSQR) Validation Trials. The tests were conducted in three phases in field firing ranges. The three parameters of PSQR, which are ranging, accuracy, consistency and rate of fire to engage multiple targets in salvo mode was assessed during the trials. A total of 12 rockets from each production agencies, Economic Explosives Ltd. (EEL) and Munitions India Limited (MIL), were tested from two launchers that were upgraded by the launcher manufacturers, Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Larsen & Toubro (L&T).
- It was reported on 5 August 2025, that the Pinaka Mk-I Enhanced variant rockets underwent its successful test firing before the commissioning and induction into the Indian Army.
- The maiden flight test of LRGR-120, earlier referred to as Pinaka Mk 3 by reports, was conducted on 29 November 2025. The rocket struck the target at a maximum range of 120 km with textbook precision while performing all the in-flight maneuvers planned. The launch was conducted from an in-service launcher.
Details
Pinaka is a complete MBRL system, with Pinaka battery consisting of: six launcher vehicles, each with 12 rockets; six loader-replenishment vehicles; six replenishment vehicles; two Command Post vehicle (one stand by) with a Fire Control computer, and the DIGICORA MET radar (meteorological radar, provides data on winds). A battery of six launchers can neutralise an area of 1,000 m × 800 m. A Pinaka regiment of the Indian Army consists of three batteries.
The Army generally deploys a battery that has a total of 72 rockets. All of the 72 rockets can be fired in 44 seconds, taking out an area of 1 km2. Each launcher can fire in a different direction too. The system has the flexibility to fire all the rockets in one go or only a few. This is made possible with a fire control computer. There is a command post linking together all the six launchers in a battery. Each launcher has an individual computer which enables it to function autonomously in case it gets separated from the other five vehicles in a war.
Network-centric operations
The Pinaka operates in conjunction with the Indian Army's Firefinder radars and Swathi Weapon Locating Radar. The Indian Army is networking all its artillery units together with the DRDO's Artillery Command & Control System (ACCS), which acts as a force multiplier and is in series production. The Pinaka units also uses of the Indian Army's SATA (Surveillance & Target Acquisition) Units which have been equipped with the Searcher-1, Searcher-2 and IAI Heron UAVs since late 1990s as well as the Israeli Long-Range Reconnaissance and Observation System and Indian Battle Field Surveillance radars of the Indian Army.
Modes of operation
The launcher can operate in the following modes:
Autonomous mode. The launcher is fully controlled by a fire control computer (FCC). The microprocessor on the launcher automatically executes the commands received from the FCC, giving the operator the status of the system on displays and indicators.
Stand-alone mode: In this mode, the launcher is not linked to the FCC operator, and the operator at the console enters all the commands for laying of the launcher system and selection of firing parameters.
Remote mode: In this mode, a launcher computer (LC) in a remote control unit carried outside the cabin up to a distance of about 200 m can be used to control the launcher system, the launcher site and to unload the fired rocket pods from the launcher.
Manual mode: All launcher operations including laying of the system and firing are manually controlled. This mode is envisaged in the situations where the microprocessor fails or where there is no power to activate the microprocessor-based operator's console. To ensure deployment flexibility, operational initialization is managed by either a dial sight or an Automatic Gun Alignment and Pointing System (AGAPS).
The Pinaka was tested in the Kargil conflict and proved its effectiveness. Since then it has been inducted into the Indian Army and series production has been ordered. The Pinaka MBRL is stated to be cheaper than other systems. It costs ₹2.3 crore (US$270,000) per system compared to the M270 which costs ₹19.5 crore (US$2.3 million).
Salient features
- Use of state-of-the-art technologies for improved combat performance.
- Total operational time optimised for shoot & scoot capability with automatic leveling and stabilization.
- Cabin pressurisation for crew protection in addition to blast shields.
- Microprocessor-based fully automatic positioning and fire control console.
- Night vision devices for driver and crew.
- Neutralisation/destruction of the exposed troop concentrations, B-Class military land vehicles and other such soft targets.
- Neutralisation of enemy guns/rocket locations.
- Laying of anti-personnel and anti-tank mines at a short notice. For 12 rockets, the maximum rocket programming time is 20 seconds.
Orders
While DRDO was responsible for the overall design and development of the Pinaka, its partners played a significant role in developing important subsystems and components. They include Tata Power SED (now Tata Advanced Systems; involved in the project since 1989), Larsen & Toubro, Solar Industries, Munitions India Limited and Yantra India Limited.[citation needed] As of August 2024, of the total Pinaka systems in service with the Army, Tata has delivered 40 launchers and 8 Command Posts, with another 36 launchers on order. A technology transfer licensing agreement for the Pinaka and Battery Command Post was signed by DRDO and NIBE Limited on 30 May 2025. Strengthening the industrial foundation for the creation and production of domestic defense equipment is the goal of the agreement.
- On 29 March 2006, the Indian Army awarded Tata Power SED and Larsen & Toubro's Heavy Engineering Division a contract worth ₹200 crore (equivalent to ₹642 crore or US$76 million in 2023), to produce 40 Pinaka MBRLs each for two regiments. Tata Power SED declared that it would be delivering the first units within six months. The deliveries were completed by 2010.
- On 29 October 2015, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) chaired by the Defence Minister of India, cleared purchase of two more Pinaka regiments at a cost of ₹3,300 crore (US$390 million). On March 18, 2016, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) cleared the acquisitions. As a consequence, a deal worth ₹200 crore (US$24 million) was signed with Tata Power SED for delivery of one regiment (20 launchers and 8 command posts). Another regiment was ordered with Larsen & Toubro. The contract was signed with BEML (for vehicles), Tata Power SED and Larsen & Toubro (for launchers and command posts) and Ordnance Factory Board (rocket ammunition). The entire order was placed in 2016 and all units have been delivered as of 2024.
- In November 2016, the MoD has cleared a RFP for six additional regiments and was followed by Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) clearance in 2018. This led to the signing of a contract on 31 August 2020 for six additional regiments worth of launcher systems at ₹2,580 crore (equivalent to ₹30 billion or US$360 million in 2023) from Tata Power SED and Larsen & Toubro (L&T). Defence public sector undertaking Bharat Earth Movers Ltd (BEML) which will provide the vehicles will also be part of the project. The contract will include "114 launchers with Automated Gun Aiming & Positioning System (AGAPS), 45 Command Posts to be procured from TPCL and L&T, and 330 Vehicles from BEML." This regiment will be equipped with navigation, guidance and control kit for Guided Pinaka rockets. While Tata will deliver two regiments, the rest will be delivered by L&T. The deliveries were to be completed by 2024.
- Two of the regiments have been raised as of June 2025.
- Two additional regiments are expected to be raised within due months as of June 2025 while the final two regiments will be raised in 2026. The Army plans to convert the existing heavy mortar regiments equipped with 120mm-calibre mortars into Pinaka regiments.
- On 13 December 2023, the Ministry of Defence cleared the acquisition of 6,400 Pinaka ADM Type 2 and Type 3 rockets at a cost of over ₹2,800 crore (US$330 million). Two main contenders for the order are Economic Explosives Ltd. (EEL) and Munitions India Limited (MIL).
- On 29 January 2025, an acquisition of Pinaka rocket ammunition was cleared by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS). The order is valued at ₹10,147 crore (US$1.2 billion). The order includes two contracts of different ammunition variants for the 10 Pinaka regiments on order. The contract was finally signed on 6 February 2025.
- A contract was signed with Economic Explosives Ltd. (EEL) at a cost of ₹4,500 crore (US$530 million) for the procurement of Area Denial Munition Type 1 (DPICM) with a range of 37 km.
- Another contract was signed with Munitions India Limited (MIL) at a cost of ₹5,700 crore (US$670 million) for the procurement of High Explosive Preformed Fragmentation Mk-1 (Enhanced) rockets [HEPF Mk-1 (E)] with a range of 45 km.
- In January 2026, Tata Advanced Systems and Larsen & Toubro received an order from Indian Army's 510 Advance Base Workshop (ABW) for the upgrade and overhaul of in-service-first-generation Pinaka Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS) and Battery Command Posts (BCPs). In the first phase, a pilot project of overhaul of select Pinaka MLRS and BCPs will be undertaken followed by the same for the remaining units by 510 ABW and Corps of EME where Tata will provide critical spares, quality assurance and technical support.
Service history
India
A section of two launchers were deployed in June 1999 during the Kargil War under the 121 Rocket Regiment.
In February 2000, the first Pinaka regiment was raised.
The first two regiments of Pinaka were inducted by 2010. As of 2016, the Indian Army had plans to operate 10 regiments by 2022 and further increase the numbers to 22 regiments within 2032. The Pinaka system will replace the older Grad MLRS regiments are being retired.
As of November 2024, 4 regiments of Pinaka have been inducted by the Army, with more than 72 launcher units active. 6 more regiments were ordered in 2020.
It was reported in March 2024, that the Army plans to raise 2 more Pinaka regiments by the end of year along Line of Actual Control. The regiments were raised by June 2025. Moreover, training is underway as of 23 June 2025 for two additional regiments which are planned to be raised and operationalised within two months. Also, the equipment for the final two regiments as part of the six-regiment order is scheduled to arrive by the end of the year while the regiments are to be operationalised in early 2026.
Amidst the 2025 India–Pakistan standoff, firing practices of Pinaka MBRL was conducted in the Pokhran Field Firing Range (PFFR) early in the month of May. Further practices were to be conducted "in a few weeks' time".
Pinaka, Pralay, Nirbhay and BrahMos will become part of the Integrated Rocket Force (IRF), a separate entity from Strategic Forces Command.
Armenia
Armenia signed a combined deal worth ₹2,000 crore (equivalent to ₹21 billion or US$251 million in 2023) for 4 Pinaka batteries and other defense equipment. The order includes supplies of extended range and guided rocket for Pinaka system in the future. Deliveries began in July 2023, and concluded by November 2024. Armenia has received three Pinaka variants, including the guided Pinaka.
Potential operators
As of October 2022, Indonesia and Nigeria have also shown interest in Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher.
As of June 2024, some Southeast Asian and European nations has also shown interest to acquire Pinaka MBRL and Netra AEW&C.
On 9 November 2024, Brigadier General Stephane Richou confirmed to Asian News International about the French Army evaluating Pinaka MBRL system for their requirement. This was mentioned during the visit of the high-ranking official who said that that "two countries share much more than just a business relationship and want to cooperate more". French Army chief, Army General Pierre Schill, during his visit to India in October 2025 expressed his interest in the longer-range variant of Pinaka.
Specifications
| Pinaka Mk-I | Pinaka ADM | Pinaka Mk-I Enhanced | Pinaka Mk-II | Guided Pinaka | ERR 122 | LRGR-120 | Pinaka Mk-III ER/ Mk-IV | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Range | 37.5 km (23.3 mi) | 45–50 km (28–31 mi) | 60 km (37 mi) | 75–80 km (47–50 mi) | 40 km (25 mi) | 120 km (75 mi) | 200–300 km (120–190 mi) | |
| Length | 4.88 m (16.0 ft) | 4.72 m (15.5 ft) | 5.17 m (17.0 ft) | 2.91 m (9 ft 7 in) | 7.2 m (24 ft) | Unknown | ||
| Rocket Diameter | 214 mm (8.4 in) | 122 mm (4.8 in) | 300 mm (12 in) | |||||
| Warhead weight | 100 kg (220 lb) | 100 kg (220 lb) + 15 kg (33 lb) for guidance, navigation and control kit | 21 kg (46 lb) | 250 kg (550 lb) + guidance, navigation and control kit | ||||
| Rocket Weight | 277.4 kg (612 lb) | 280 kg (620 lb) | 325 kg (717 lb) | 66.5 kg (147 lb) | Unknown | |||
| Propellant Weight | 100 kg (220 lb) | 111 kg (245 lb) | 131.5 kg (290 lb) | 26.8 kg (59 lb) | ||||
| Rate of fire | Approximately 44 seconds. | 40 rockets in 20 seconds | Approximately 44 seconds. | |||||
| Accuracy |
| ≤1.5% range. |
| ≤1.5% range. | <10-20m CEP | |||
| Salvo reload time | 4 minutes. | Unknown | Unknown | |||||
| Warheads | PF, RHE | DPICM, Anti-tank mines | HEPF, RHE | HEPF, RHE | ||||
| Detonation mechanism | Contact + Delay, Electronic time and Proximity fuze | Contact and Proximity fuze | ||||||
| Guidance | Free flight | Unknown | RLG-INS + MEMS-IMU + multi-GNSS | Free flight | RLG-INS + mid-course update + terminal correction | |||
| Flight stabilization | 4 curved wrapped around fins | 6 flat wrapped around fins | 6 flat wrapped around fins (without fin cant) | 4 curved wrapped around fins | Unknown | |||
| Launching pod | 2 detachable pods, each carrying 6 rockets | Fixed cluster of 40 rockets | ||||||
| Launcher |
| Upgraded BM-21 Grad by Larsen & Toubro. Based on Ashok Leyland Super Stallion chassis. |
| |||||
| Status (as of June 2025) | Inducted; mass production. | Order placed for production. | Inducted; mass production. | Under trials. | Inducted; mass production. | Under trials. | DAC cleared procurement proposal. | Under development. |
Operators
- India
- Indian Army – 6 regiments (108+ launchers) of Pinaka Mk-I and Mk-II in service as of 2025. 4 Pinaka Mk-II regiments on order. Total 22 regiments of MK-I & MK-II planned.
- Armenia
- Armenian Ground Forces – 4 batteries ordered in September 2022. Delivered in July 2023.
Potential Operators
- India
- Indian Air Force
- Indian Navy
- France
- French Army: Under evaluation trials as of November 2024.
See also
- 9A52-4 Tornado – (Russia)
- Astros II – (Brazil)
- BM-21 Grad – (Soviet Union)
- BM-27 Uragan – (Soviet Union)
- Fajr-5 – (Iran)
- Falaq-2 – (Iran)
- K239 Chunmoo – (South Korea)
- M142 HIMARS – (United States)
- M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System – (United States)
- Precise & Universal Launching System (PULS) – (Israel)
- T-122 Sakarya – (Turkey)
- TOROS – (Turkey)
- TOS-1 – (Soviet Union, Russia)
- Weishi rockets – (China)
wikipedia, wiki, encyclopedia, book, library, article, read, free download, Information about Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher, What is Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher? What does Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher mean?