India has taken a major step forward in strengthening its defence capabilities as the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted the maiden flight test of the 120-kilometre strike-range Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR-120).
The test was carried out at the Integrated Test Range Chandipur in Odisha and marks a significant milestone in the evolution of India’s indigenous artillery systems.
Successful Test Demonstrates Extended Range and Precision
According to officials, the rocket performed as expected and successfully met all the trial objectives. During the test, the Pinaka rocket demonstrated its extended strike range of 120 km, along with improved accuracy and guidance capability.
This successful flight trial validates the design and advanced technology incorporated into the new variant, making it one of the most powerful versions of the Pinaka rocket system developed so far.
What Is the Pinaka Rocket System?
The Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL) is an indigenously developed artillery rocket system designed to provide rapid and high-volume firepower to the Indian Army. Developed by DRDO in collaboration with Indian industry, the system has steadily evolved over the years with enhanced range, accuracy and lethality.
Key Features of the Pinaka System:
.High-mobility rocket launcher mounted on a wheeled platform
.Capability to fire multiple rockets in quick succession
.Rapid deployment and shoot-and-scoot capability
.Indigenous navigation, guidance and control systems
Earlier variants of Pinaka had ranges between 40 km and 90 km, while the newly tested LRGR-120 significantly extends the strike envelope.
Strategic Importance of the 120-km Pinaka Rocket
Strengthening India’s Artillery Firepower
The extended-range Pinaka rockets will enable the Indian Army to strike deeper enemy targets from safer distances, providing a crucial tactical advantage during operations.
Boost to Indigenous Defence Manufacturing
The successful test reinforces India’s push towards self-reliance in defence technology, reducing dependence on imported long-range artillery systems.
Enhanced Battlefield Readiness
With improved range and precision, the new Pinaka variant enhances the Army’s ability to respond swiftly and effectively across diverse terrains, including border areas.
Future Development Plans
DRDO is expected to continue further trials and refinements of the LRGR-120 before induction into the armed forces. Defence experts believe that future versions of the Pinaka rocket system could achieve even longer ranges, further strengthening India’s conventional deterrence capabilities.
Conclusion
The successful testing of the 120-km strike-range Pinaka rocket marks a major achievement for DRDO and a significant boost for India’s artillery modernization programme. As the system moves closer to operational deployment, it is set to play a key role in enhancing the Indian Army’s long-range strike capability and overall combat readiness.
