Indian Artillery Gets More Firepower as DRDO Completes Flight Tests of Guided Pinaka System

New Delhi: In a major boost to indigenous artillery capabilities, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Wednesday announced that it has successfully completed Flight Tests of Guided Pinaka Weapon System as part of Provisional Staff Qualitative Requirements (PSQR) validation trials. 

According to Defence Ministry, flight tests have been conducted in three phases at different field firing ranges.

During se tests, PSQR parameters viz., ranging, accuracy, consistency and rate of fire for multiple target engagement in a salvo mode have been assessed by extensive testing of rockets. 

DRDO Conducts Flight Test of Guided Pinaka Weapon System | WATCH 

Twelve (12) rockets from each production agency from two in-service Pinaka launchers upgred by launcher production agencies have been tested, an official statement said. 

precision strike variant for Pinaka Multiple Launch Rocket System is a totally indigenous weapon system designed and developed by Armament Research and Development Establishment in association with Research Centre Imarat, Defence Research and Development Laboratory, High Energy Materials Research Laboratory and Proof & Experimental Establishment with Munitions India Limited and Economic Explosives Limited as production agencies for ammunition and Tata vanced Systems Limited and Larsen & Toubro for Pinaka launcher and Battery Command Post.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Congratulates DRDO 

On completion of trials, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh complimented DRDO and Indian Army for successful PSQR Validation Trials of system and stated that induction of this Guided Pinaka Weapon System will furr boost artillery firepower of Armed Forces.

Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat also congratulated teams associated with trials and said rocket system has completed all pre-requisite flight trials before induction into Indian Army, ministry said in a statement.

France Interested In Pinaka Rocket System  

Earlier last week, a senior French Army officer said that y are assessing India's indigenous Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher (MBRL) system for possible integration into ir military.

announcement comes as both nations continue to deepen ir strategic and defence ties.

Pinaka Rocket System: Features and Its Role In 1999 Kargil War

Pinaka rocket system has been developed by Armament Research and Development Establishment, Pune supported by High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, anor Pune-based laboratory of DRDO. 

rocket system consists of a multi-tube launcher vehicle, a replenishment-cum-loer vehicle, a replenishment vehicle, and a command post vehicle.

rocket launcher has two pods containing six rockets each and can neutralise an area of 700 × 500 square metres within 48 seconds. 

launcher system is supported on four hydraulically actuated outriggers at time of firing. 

Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher (MBRL) was successfully used during Kargil war in 1999, neutralising enemy soldiers and positions on Mountain tops.