Pinaka Rocket Deal: The Indian Army is set to receive a major boost in firepower as the government has approved a project worth over ₹10,000 crore to buy ammunition for the Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher systems. The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) recently gave the green light for this massive purchase, marking a big success for India’s indigenous weapon systems.
According to ET, this project includes Area Denial Munitions and enhanced-range Pinaka rockets, which will be supplied by two companies, Solar Industries in Nagpur and Munitions India Limited (MIL), a company that was formerly part of the Ordnance Factory Board.
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The Army Chief, General Upendra Dwivedi, had already mentioned earlier this month that this contract was expected to be cleared soon. He had revealed that the deal would include ₹5,700 crore worth of high-explosive ammunition and ₹4,500 crore for area denial munitions.
The Pinaka rocket system has been a game changer for India’s defence forces. It has a range of about 45 kilometres and is highly effective in operations along both the Pakistan and China borders. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is working on an advanced version of the Pinaka rockets, which will have a strike range of 120 kilometres. This new version is expected to undergo its first test in the next financial year.
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The Army has shown strong support for the Pinaka system. General Dwivedi has stated that once the longer-range versions are ready, the Army may even reconsider its plans to acquire alternative weapons.
The Pinaka system has not only been successful within India but has also gained interest in the international market. Armenia has already purchased it, and several European countries like France, are showing interest in acquiring these powerful rockets.
