In a major development for India’s defense capabilities, the Cabinet Committee on Security has approved a substantial procurement of ammunition exceeding Rs 10,000 crore for the Army’s Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher systems. This decision reflects a strategic move to enhance the combat readiness of the armed forces, particularly amid rising tensions along the northern border with China.
Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi previously announced intentions to finalize two contracts related to the Pinaka system by the end of the current fiscal year. One contract focuses on high explosive pre-fragmented ammunition, while the other involves area denial munitions. The recent clearance from the Cabinet Committee on Security paves the way for the acquisition of munitions necessary to support six additional Pinaka regiments, complementing the four existing regiments currently in operation.
The Pinaka system itself features two operational variants: the Pinaka MK-I, which boasts a range of approximately 40 kilometers, and the more advanced Pinaka II, designed to engage targets at distances of up to 60 kilometers. Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s Armament Research and Development Establishment, the Pinaka artillery system is named after the bow of Lord Shiva and was primarily created to supplant the older Soviet-era Grad BM-21 rocket launcher.
Historically, the Pinaka system demonstrated its effectiveness during the Kargil War, where it played a crucial role in neutralizing enemy fortifications in challenging mountainous terrain. Additionally, the expansive reach of the Pinaka system has led India to export its first batch of launchers to Armenia, signaling India’s growing reputation as a defense exporter on the global stage.
In conjunction with the enhancement of its rocket artillery capabilities, the Indian Army is also set to strengthen its long-range firepower with further acquisitions, including an additional 100 K9 Vajra howitzers, swarm drones, loitering munitions, and advanced surveillance systems. These initiatives form part of a comprehensive modernization effort aimed at equipping the Indian Army with state-of-the-art weaponry to effectively address evolving security challenges along its critical frontiers.
