Desk: In a major step towards strengthening India’s defense capabilities, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved two significant deals for the indigenous Pinaka Multi-Launch Artillery Rocket System. The total value of these contracts is approximately ₹10,200 crore, making the Pinaka arsenal deadlier than ever.
The first deal, worth ₹5,700 crore, includes high-explosive pre-fragmented rocket ammunition, while the second deal, worth ₹4,500 crore, covers area denial ammunition. These contracts are for 10 Pinaka regiments already ordered by the Indian Army.
The high-explosive pre-fragmented rocket ammunition has a strike range of 45 kilometers, whereas the area denial ammunition can be launched up to 37 kilometers. The area denial ammunition also includes anti-tank and anti-personnel minellets, enhancing battlefield effectiveness.
These munitions will be jointly produced by Solar Group, a private sector company based in Nagpur, and the government-owned Munitions India Limited, in a 60:40 ratio. The contracts with these companies are expected to be signed in the coming days.
Currently, the Indian Army operates four Pinaka regiments, with some launchers deployed in high-altitude areas along the China border. The induction of the remaining six regiments is in progress.
According to a report by The Times of India, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed multiple variants of Pinaka rocket ammunition, with strike ranges of 45 km and 75 km (guided version). Future plans aim to extend the range to 120 km and eventually 300 km.
Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi recently stated, “Once we achieve a longer range, we may stop considering other alternative long-range weapons and focus solely on Pinaka.”
This landmark deal is expected to significantly enhance the Indian Army’s firepower, making Pinaka more lethal and effective in modern warfare.