In a significant advancement of its long-range artillery capabilities following Operation Sindoor, the Indian Army is set to move forward with the induction of new 120-km strike range Pinaka rockets. This ambitious project is estimated to cost around ₹2,500 crore, as reported by defence officials.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is tasked with developing these new-generation Pinaka rockets, with initial trials anticipated to occur in the near future. Following successful trials, the rockets will be produced in collaboration with Development-cum-Production Partners (DcPPs), who will be chosen through a competitive bidding process.
The proposal is expected to be presented for approval to the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) soon. This initiative is part of a larger effort by the Defence Ministry, under the leadership of Rajnath Singh, to improve indigenous multi-barrel rocket launcher (MBRL) capabilities. The Pinaka system has recently become one of India’s prominent defence exports.
The upcoming 120-km rockets will be compatible with existing Pinaka launchers, which are currently capable of launching rockets with ranges of 40 km and over 75 km. Additionally, the Army is reinforcing its existing Pinaka regiments and has recently placed orders for area denial ammunition to enhance these units.
Earlier this year, the Ministry of Defence signed several contracts to strengthen the Pinaka ecosystem, specifically contracting Area Denial Munition (ADM) Type-1 (DPICM) and High Explosive Pre-Fragmented (HEPF) Mk-1 Enhanced Rockets from Economic Explosives Limited (EEL) and Munitions India Limited (MIL) for a total of ₹10,147 crore. An upgrade contract for the SHAKTI software was also signed with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), with all agreements finalized in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.
The Pinaka Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS), developed by DRDO, has established itself as a vital element of India’s long-range firepower, praised for its rapid response, precision targeting, and high-volume firing capacity. The DRDO is already deep into developing the new 120-km variant, with testing anticipated in the next financial year.
Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi expressed strong support for the system, suggesting that once the extended-range versions are operational, the Army might reconsider the need for alternative long-range weapon systems.
The Pinaka system has also gained traction as a successful export product, with Armenia having integrated it into its forces and several European nations, including France, expressing interest in its acquisition. The introduction of the 120-km variant is expected to significantly elevate India’s deep-strike artillery capacity, marking a substantial leap in the development of indigenous firepower.
