DRDO TESTS PINAKA ROCKET

DRDO TESTS PINAKA ROCKET

Why in News

• Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted the maiden flight test of the Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR-120).
• The test was carried out at the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, Odisha.
• On the same day, the project received clearance for induction into the Indian Army from the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC).

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

• The rocket was fired to its maximum strike range of 120 km.
• It successfully performed all planned in-flight manoeuvres.
• The rocket hit the designated target with high precision.
• All range instruments tracked the rocket throughout its entire flight trajectory.

DEVELOPMENT & COLLABORATION

• The LRGR-120 has been designed by Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE).
• It was developed in collaboration with:
  • High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL)
• Technical support was provided by:
  • Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL)
  • Research Centre Imarat (RCI)

LAUNCH PLATFORM & TRIAL MANAGEMENT

• The rocket was launched from an in-service Pinaka launcher.
• This proved that the same launcher can fire Pinaka rockets of different ranges.
• The flight trial was coordinated by:
  • Integrated Test Range (ITR)
  • Proof and Experimental Establishment (PXE)

ABOUT PINAKA MULTIPLE ROCKET LAUNCH SYSTEM

Basic Information

• Pinaka MRLS is a battle-proven, all-weather, indirect area fire artillery weapon system.
• It has been developed by ARDE (DRDO) for the Indian Army.
• Pinaka was first used during the Kargil War (1999).
• It successfully neutralised enemy positions on mountain tops, proving its effectiveness in high-altitude warfare.

Features of Pinaka MRLS

7.1 Firepower and Response

• The system has very quick response time.
• It offers high pointing accuracy.
• It can deliver a large volume of fire in a short duration.
• It is suitable for time-sensitive and critical enemy targets.

Launcher and Battery Configuration

• Each launcher carries 12 rockets.
• One battery consists of 6 launchers.
• Total rockets fired in one salvo by a battery = 72 rockets.

Warhead Options

• Pinaka can fire multiple types of warheads, such as:
  • High-explosive warheads
  • Sub-munition warheads
• This makes it effective against area targets and troop concentrations.

Range Capability

• Standard Pinaka rockets have a range of 60–75 km.
• Advanced versions like LRGR-120 extend the range to 120 km.

Guidance and Accuracy

• Earlier versions were unguided rockets.
• The Pinaka-Guided version uses INS/GPS navigation.
• This provides high precision strike capability.

Mobility

• The system is mounted on a Tatra high-mobility truck.
• This ensures fast movement, quick deployment, and survivability on the battlefield.

ARMY CONFIDENCE & FUTURE OUTLOOK

• Pinaka is regarded as one of India’s most successful indigenous artillery systems.
• Chief of Army Staff, has indicated that:
  • Once longer-range Pinaka variants become fully operational,
  • The Army may reconsider importing alternative rocket systems.

DEFENCE EXPORT SUCCESS

• Pinaka has emerged as a major defence export product.
• It has already been procured by Armenia.
• Several European countries, including France, have shown interest

INDIA’S DEFENCE EXPORT PUSH

Note: Connect with Vajirao & Reddy Institute to keep yourself updated with latest UPSC Current Affairs in English.

Note: We upload Current Affairs Except Sunday.