The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has recently completed successful flight tests of the guided Pinaka multi-barrel rocket system. This important achievement occurred on November 14, 2024, and is part of the Provisional Staff Qualitative Requirements (PSQR) validation trials. The successful tests enhance the operational range of the Pinaka to over 75 km, paving the way for its induction into the Indian Army.
Overview of the Pinaka System
The Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher is designed for rapid and effective artillery support. It can fire a range of munitions and is capable of engaging multiple targets in a short period. Currently, the Indian Army operates four Pinaka regiments, with six additional regiments on order. The existing Pinaka Mk1 has a range of 38 km, with plans to extend this to 120 km and eventually to 300 km.
Flight Test Phases
The flight tests were conducted in three phases across various field firing ranges. Each phase assessed critical PSQR parameters, including ranging, accuracy, consistency, and the rate of fire. A total of twelve rockets from two upgraded in-service Pinaka launchers were tested, demonstrating the system’s capabilities in multiple target engagements.
Indigenous Development
The Pinaka system is a product of indigenous development. It was designed by the Armament Research and Development Establishment and developed in collaboration with several other DRDO laboratories. The production of ammunition is managed by Munitions India Limited and Economic Explosives Limited. The launchers and battery command posts are produced by Tata Advanced Systems Limited and Larsen & Toubro.
Future Prospects and Exports
The Pinaka system is expected to become the mainstay of long-range rocket artillery for the Indian Army. There is also international interest in the system. France is considering the Pinaka for its own requirements, and a team is expected to evaluate it soon. Armenia has already become the first export customer, with interest expressed by several other countries.
Significance of the Tests
The recent flight tests mark important step in the operational readiness of the Pinaka system. Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO, stated that all pre-requisite flight trials have been successfully completed. This positions the Pinaka system as a formidable asset in modern artillery warfare.
Questions for UPSC:
- Discuss the significance of indigenous development in India’s defence sector with examples from recent advancements.
- Critically examine the role of multi-barrel rocket systems like Pinaka in modern warfare.
- Explain the process and importance of Provisional Staff Qualitative Requirements in military equipment trials.
- What are the implications of international interest in India’s defence technologies? Discuss with suitable examples.
Answer Hints:
1. Discuss the significance of indigenous development in India’s defence sector with examples from recent advancements.
- Indigenous development reduces dependence on foreign technology and enhances national security.
- Recent advancements include the Pinaka rocket system and the Tejas fighter aircraft, showcasing India’s growing self-reliance.
- Collaboration between DRDO and private sector firms like Tata and L&T encourages innovation and capability building.
- Indigenous systems can be tailored to meet specific operational requirements of the Indian Armed Forces.
- Success in indigenous projects boosts export potential, as seen with Armenia’s purchase of Pinaka systems.
2. Critically examine the role of multi-barrel rocket systems like Pinaka in modern warfare.
- Multi-barrel rocket systems (MBRLs) provide rapid firepower, enabling saturation of targets in a short timeframe.
- The Pinaka system can engage multiple targets simultaneously, enhancing tactical flexibility on the battlefield.
- MBRLs support ground forces by delivering precision strikes, which is crucial in modern asymmetric warfare scenarios.
- Advanced range and accuracy of systems like Pinaka improve operational effectiveness and reduce collateral damage.
- Integration with modern targeting and surveillance systems enhances the overall effectiveness of MBRLs in combat operations.
3. Explain the process and importance of Provisional Staff Qualitative Requirements in military equipment trials.
- PSQR outlines the essential operational capabilities needed for military equipment, guiding development and testing processes.
- It ensures that equipment meets specific performance standards before being inducted into service.
- Trials conducted under PSQR assess critical parameters like accuracy, range, and reliability of the systems.
- Successful validation of PSQR encourages confidence in the equipment’s effectiveness and operational readiness.
- PSQR serves as a benchmark for future upgrades and enhancements to the military systems.
4. What are the implications of international interest in India’s defence technologies? Discuss with suitable examples.
- International interest can lead to increased exports, enhancing India’s position as a global defence supplier.
- Collaborations with countries like France for systems like Pinaka can lead to technology transfers and joint ventures.
- Such interest reflects confidence in the quality and capability of Indian-designed defence systems.
- Increased foreign partnerships can accelerate research and development efforts within India’s defence sector.
- Countries like Armenia purchasing Indian systems signify a shift towards diversifying their military procurement sources.
