How many Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launchers does the Indian Army plan to have, and how many firing units are there in a single Pinaka battery?
New Delhi: The Indian Army is working relentlessly to enhance the range of rocket systems under the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) initiative. It is important to note that the Indian Army relied on Russian-made multi-barrel rocket launchers like the Grad and Smerch for warfare until now, but with the induction of the indigenous multi-barrel rocket launcher Pinaka, the Army’s capabilities have seen a significant boost.
Now, with the enhancement of its strike range, a new version of Pinaka has been developed. The extended-range version of Pinaka has successfully completed its user trials—the final step before being inducted into the Army. It is expected to be inducted soon.
Here are some of the key features of Pinaka:
- Pinaka currently in service with the Indian Army’s artillery
- The original Pinaka rocket is a free-flight rocket, meaning once it is launched, it travels up to its maximum range of 37 kilometers before impact.
- The current Pinaka rockets in the Army have a range of 37 kilometers, which has now been extended to around 75 kilometers.
- The extended range guided Pinaka is a guided rocket equipped with GPS navigation.
- The rocket can strike the target with precision after launch.
- In terms of accuracy, it can hit within approximately 25 meters of the target, which is considered highly effective.
- The rocket is pre-programmed, and once launched, it follows the set trajectory.
- If it deviates from its path for any reason, the onboard computer, aided by GPS, corrects the trajectory to get it back on course.
- Pinaka is equipped with an Inertial Navigation System (INS).
- This provides a major advantage: even if an enemy attempts to breach or disrupt the GPS signal via satellite interference, the INS will still guide the rocket accurately to its target.
- Pinaka system, when an entire battery is launched simultaneously, it can completely devastate an area measuring 1,000 by 800 meters.
- With the induction of the guided Pinaka weapon system, the Indian Army will gain a highly destructive and precise artillery system capable of wreaking havoc on enemy forces.
The Indian Army plans to have a total of 25 Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launchers. A single battery of the Pinaka system consists of six firing units (launchers). Each launcher has 12 tubes, meaning one full battery can fire 72 rockets in total. All of these can be launched within just 44 seconds. Immediately after launching, the launchers change position and can be rearmed for another strike.
The Army procured two new types of rockets for the Pinaka Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS):
- Area Denial Munition (ADM) Type-1 (DPICM)
- High-Explosive Pre-Fragmented (HEPF) Mk-1 (Enhanced) rockets.
