The Indian Army is steadily strengthening its arsenal under the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) campaign, focusing on incorporating indigenous weapon systems and upgrading existing ones with homegrown technology. Recent military operations have already showcased the effectiveness of Indian-made weaponry to the world, further motivating the Army to enhance its firepower. One of the latest developments in this direction is the upgraded version of the Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher, which is now ready for induction after successful trials.
Previously, the Army relied heavily on Russian-origin multi-barrel rocket launchers such as the Grad and Smerch. However, the indigenous Pinaka system has significantly boosted India’s firepower in recent years. The new version, equipped with extended range and advanced guidance technology, marks another leap forward. The earlier Pinaka rockets had a range of just 37 kilometers, but the upgraded extended-range version can strike targets up to 75 kilometers away—nearly double the previous capability.
This achievement is not limited to range improvements. The upgraded Pinaka is far more accurate and powerful. It is now equipped with GPS navigation, enabling it to strike targets with high precision within a margin of 25 meters. Once a target is set, the system ensures a direct hit. The rockets’ trajectory and target details are pre-programmed before launch, and even if they deviate mid-flight, the onboard computer and GPS work together to bring them back on course.
In addition, the system is integrated with an Inertial Navigation System (INS), ensuring that even if GPS signals are jammed or interrupted, the rocket can still accurately reach its target. This combination of GPS and INS makes the Pinaka an extremely reliable and lethal weapon system.
A single Pinaka battery consists of six launchers, each fitted with 12 tubes, allowing for a total of 72 rockets to be fired in just 44 seconds. If launched together, this barrage can completely devastate an area measuring 1,000 meters by 800 meters. The new guided Pinaka increases its destructive potential even further.
The launchers are also designed for rapid relocation after firing, making it extremely difficult for the enemy to retaliate effectively. Once the location changes, adversaries lose track of the exact position, reducing the risk of counterattacks.
In the context of India’s security scenario, especially with respect to China, Pinaka has consistently maintained a strong presence along the borders. At present, the Indian Army operates four Pinaka regiments, with a target to increase this number to ten. Rather than building entirely new regiments, the Army is converting existing 120mm mortar light regiments into Pinaka units. Last year, two light regiments were converted, and this year two more are expected to follow. Within the next two years, the Army aims to have a total of ten Pinaka regiments.
The long-term plan includes the induction of 25 Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher systems, with parallel efforts in training and deployment to ensure readiness for operational use. These upgrades will enable the Army to maintain a strong and deterrent posture along its borders, ensuring that when the time comes, the Pinaka system can be deployed to its maximum potential.
This move underscores India’s growing emphasis on indigenous defense production and technological self-reliance, positioning the Pinaka as a central component of the Army’s evolving artillery capabilities.
