The Army is fully backing the Indian-made Pinaka multi-launch artillery rocket systems, with plans to approve ammunition orders worth ₹10,200 crore soon. Meanwhile, India is also exporting these systems to other countries.
General Upendra Dwivedi, the head of the Army, stated that two Pinaka contracts, worth Rs 4,500 crore for area denial munitions and ₹5,700 crore for high-explosive pre-fragmented ammunition, are expected to be signed before the current fiscal year ends on March 31. These orders would support the 10 Pinaka regiments already ordered by the Army, which has over 11 lakh soldiers and five Grad missile regiments and three Russian-origin Smerch units.
Indian Army Strengthens with Pinaka Systems
The Army is inducting six new Pinaka regiments to enhance its firepower, adding to the four already operational. Some of these launchers are deployed in high-altitude regions along the northern borders with China. A senior officer described Pinaka as "among the world's top rocket systems," emphasizing its capability to operate in challenging terrains.
Pinaka's Strike Range and Ammunition
The Pinaka system's strike range varies depending on the ammunition:
- Aerial Denial Munitions: 37 km.
- High-Explosive Pre-Fragmented Ammunition: 45 km, capable of flooding target areas with anti-tank and anti-personnel minelets.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has also developed advanced munitions, including:
- Rockets with a guided extended range of 75 km.
- Plans to further extend the range to 120 km and eventually 300 km.
Future Plans for Pinaka
Army General Dwivedi indicated that as longer-range capabilities are developed, the focus might shift entirely to Pinaka, sidelining alternate long-range weapons.
Key Features of New Pinaka Regiments
The six additional Pinaka regiments, developed in partnership with Larsen & Toubro, Tata Advanced Systems, and Bharat Earth Movers Ltd., will include:
- 330 vehicles.
- 45 command posts.
- 114 launchers with automated gun targeting and positioning systems.
India to Export Military Equipments
India is actively promoting the export of Pinaka systems to friendly nations, alongside other advanced products like the Akash air defense systems and BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles. Notable developments include:
- Armenia importing both Pinaka and Akash systems.
- Interest from countries in Africa, Europe, and ASEAN.
The Army's Regiment of Artillery is set to sign an ₹8,500 crore deal for 307 advanced towed artillery gun systems with a 48-km strike range, further bolstering India's defense capabilities.
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