The Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher is an artillery system developed by India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It can launch a salvo of 12 rockets in 44 seconds, targeting areas up to 90 kilometres away.
The system is mounted on a Tatra truck, providing high mobility. Pinaka was effectively used during the Kargil War in 1999 and has since become a key component of the Indian Army's artillery units.
Recently, France has entered advanced discussions with India to acquire the Pinaka system. This move is notable as it would mark the first time a major arms supplier to India seeks to purchase Indian-made weaponry.
A French delegation evaluated the system in India about three months ago and found it satisfactory. Negotiations are ongoing, with no final agreement yet.
In this article, we'll explore the features of the Pinaka system, its development history, and the significance of France's interest in acquiring it.
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What is the Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher?
The Pinaka is a multi-barrel rocket launcher (MBRL) system developed in India by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for the Indian Army.
Development of the Pinaka system began in 1986 as an alternative to Russian-made multi-barrel rocket launching systems.
The Pinaka saw service during the Kargil War, where it successfully neutralised enemy positions. Since then, it has been inducted into the Indian Army, with series production ordered.
Details of the Pinaka System
- Components: A complete Pinaka MBRL system includes six launcher vehicles each with 12 rockets, six loader-replenishment vehicles, six replenishment vehicles, two Command Post vehicles (one on standby) with a Fire Control computer, and a DIGICORA MET radar, which provides data on winds.
- Capabilities: A battery of six launchers can neutralise an area of 1,000 m × 800 m, and all 72 rockets can be fired in 44 seconds, taking out an area of 1 km^2. Each launcher can fire in a different direction and has the flexibility to fire all rockets at once or only a few, thanks to a fire control computer.
- Mobility: The system is mounted on a Tatra truck for mobility.
- Cost: The Pinaka MBRL is stated to be cheaper than other systems, costing ₹2.3 crore (US$270,000) per system, compared to the M270, which costs ₹19.5 crore (US$2.3 million).
- Operational Modes: The launcher can operate in autonomous, stand-alone, remote, and manual modes.
Variants
- Mk-I: 37.5 km (23.3 mi)
- Mk-I Enhanced: 45 km (28 mi)
- Mk-II: 60 km (37 mi)
- Guided Pinaka: 75 km (47 mi) (under development)
- ERR 122: 40 km (25 mi) (Testing Phase)
- Mk-II ER: 90 km (56 mi) (Testing Phase)
- Mk-III: 120 km (75 mi) (under development)
The Pinaka utilises state-of-the-art technologies for improved combat performance, optimised operational time for shoot and scoot capability, and cabin pressurisation for crew protection.
It also includes a microprocessor-based fully automatic positioning and fire control console, as well as night vision equipment for the driver and crew.
Additionally, it can neutralise or destroy exposed troop concentrations, B-Class military land vehicles, and other soft targets. It can also destroy enemy guns and rockets, as well as lay anti-personnel and anti-tank mines on short notice.
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Key Features and Capabilities of the Pinaka System
The Pinaka is an Indian-developed multi-barrel rocket launcher (MBRL) system designed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for the Indian Army.
It was developed as an alternative to Russian-made systems. The Pinaka MBRL consists of six launcher vehicles, each equipped with 12 tubes capable of firing rockets. A salvo of 72 rockets can be launched in 44 seconds.
Key features and capabilities:
- Firepower: The Pinaka MBRL system can fire a salvo of 72 rockets in just 44 seconds. A battery of six launchers can neutralize an area of 1,000 m × 800 m.
- Mobility: The system is highly mobile and can be deployed in various terrains, as it can be mounted on Tatra or Tata trucks.
- Accuracy: Accuracy has been improved in the Pinaka Mk-III version, which features an improved guidance system.
- Versatility: The Pinaka MBRL system can fire a range of rockets, including high explosive, fragmentation, and incendiary rockets.
- Modes of Operation: The launcher can operate in autonomous, stand-alone, remote, and manual modes.
- Shoot and Scoot: The Pinaka has optimised operational time for "shoot and scoot" capability, meaning it can fire and move quickly to avoid becoming a target.
- Targets: The Pinaka can engage various targets, such as exposed enemy troops, armoured and soft-skin vehicles, communication centres, air terminal complexes, and fuel and ammunition dumps.
Pinaka Variants:
- Pinaka Mark-I: 40 km range
- Pinaka Mk-II: Increased range of up to 90 km
- Pinaka Mk-III: Improved guidance system and a range of up to 120 km
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What are the Key Differences Between the Pinaka Mk-I, Mk-II, and Mk-III Versions?
The Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher (MBRL) system has undergone several upgrades, resulting in the development of the Mk-II and Mk-III versions, which have increased range and accuracy.
Here are the key differences among the Pinaka variants:
- Pinaka Mk-I: Has a range of 40 km. It can fire a salvo of 12 rockets in 44 seconds.
- Pinaka Mk-II: An upgraded version with a range of 70-80 km, but up to 90 km according to other sources, and a payload of 250 kg.
- It features a more advanced guidance system and can fire both guided and unguided rockets. It has 12 barrels and can fire a salvo of 12 rockets in 40 seconds.
- Pinaka Mk-III: The latest and most advanced variant has a range of 90-120 km and a payload of 300 kg. It has a sophisticated navigation system and can fire both guided and unguided rockets.
- Like the previous variants, it has 12 barrels and can fire a salvo of 12 rockets in 45 seconds. This version also features an improved guidance system, enhancing its accuracy.
Why is France Interested in Buying the Pinaka Rocket System?
France is considering acquiring India's Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher (MBRL) system to meet its military needs and modernise its defence forces. A top French army official has expressed that they are evaluating the Pinaka system.
Here are some key points regarding France's interest:
- Need for an MBRL System: The French Army needs a multi-barrel rocket launcher system like the Pinaka. They are evaluating it alongside similar systems from other countries.
- Evaluation Mission: A specialised mission from France is scheduled to visit India to assess the Pinaka launcher and its ammunition.
- Retiring Current Systems: France plans to retire its existing M270 Lance-Roquettes Unitaire (LRU) rocket systems. Some of these systems have been allocated to support Ukraine.
- Growing Defence Ties: France and India have a longstanding and robust defence relationship. France has supplied India with military equipment like Rafale fighter jets and Scorpene-class submarines.
- Pinaka's Capabilities: The Pinaka system can strike targets up to 75 kilometres away and has multiple variants. It is designed to target enemy positions, including bunkers and artillery posts.
- "Make in India" Initiative: The potential acquisition of Pinaka by France would be a significant boost to India's "Make in India" initiative.
- Versatility: There are plans to enhance the system’s versatility by adapting it for land mine laying.
- Other Interested Countries: Armenia has already ordered Pinaka rockets from India, and other nations have also expressed interest.
How Pinaka Compares to Other Rocket Launcher Systems
The Pinaka MBRL system is designed to provide the Indian Army with firepower superiority, with its different variants offering varying ranges and capabilities. It uses a Tatra truck for mobility.
| System | Range (km) | Warhead Weight (kg) | Rate of Fire (rockets in seconds) | Accuracy (CEP) | Mobility | Status |
| Pinaka Mk-I | 40 | 100 | 12 in 44s | ≤ 1.5% range | Tatra truck | Inducted |
| Pinaka Mk-II | 90 | 250 | 12 in 44s | ≤ 60m | Tatra truck | Under trials |
| Pinaka Mk-III | 120 | 250 | 12 in 44s | ≤ 30m | Tatra truck | Under development |
| HIMARS | 300 | 200 | 6 in 60s | 10m | Wheeled | In service |
| BM-30 Smerch | 70 | 250 | 12 in 40s | 30m | Tracked | In service |
| BM-21 Grad | 40 | 40 | 40 in 20s | 50m | Wheeled | In service |
Future of India-France Defense Cooperation
India and France have a strong, decades-long strategic partnership built on mutual trust and a shared vision for global order. Defence and security cooperation is a cornerstone of this relationship, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.
Both countries are committed to deepening defence industrial ties and working together to identify opportunities for co-design, co-development, and co-production of defence equipment.
Key aspects of the future of India-France defence cooperation include:
- Industrial Collaboration: Both countries are focused on increasing integration between their respective defence industrial sectors. India is establishing a "technical" office in its Paris embassy to streamline defence deals and strengthen technology cooperation.
- Joint Production: India and France have agreed to work together on the joint production of defence equipment, including helicopters and submarines.
- Co-development and Co-production: There is a commitment to cooperate in the co-development and co-production of advanced defence technologies, potentially for the benefit of third countries. A roadmap on defence industrial cooperation is being developed.
- "Make in India" Initiative: France is supporting India's "Make in India" initiative through technology transfer and domestic defence manufacturing.
- Military Equipment: France is one of India’s key partners in the development of a self-reliant defence industrial and technological base.
- Examples include the purchase of Rafale aircraft and the P-75 Scorpene Project. There is also cooperation in military aviation and the joint development of a combat aircraft engine.
- Maritime Cooperation: Cooperation is intensifying in the Southwest Indian Ocean, building on joint surveillance missions. There are discussions about actively increasing capacities in the maritime domain by working with like-minded countries.
- Exercises: India and France are increasing the complexity and interoperability of their joint defence exercises across air, sea, and land and are considering a distinct joint tri-services exercise.
- Space Cooperation: Both countries cooperate on future security challenges, including those in space, with a joint vision for space cooperation to promote deeper collaboration between their national space agencies.
- Strategic Autonomy: Both countries seek to maintain credible, homegrown defence capabilities and defend their independent strategic direction.
- Global Impact: The partnership supports France’s efforts to offer itself as a "third way" for Indo-Pacific nations and positions India to be a bridge between France and rising global powers.
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