DRDO successfully flight-tests Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket, strengthening India’s precision strike capability
The successful trial marks another milestone in India's ongoing efforts to enhance the operational effectiveness of the indigenous Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL) system through advanced guided munitions.
According to DRDO, the rocket successfully executed all planned in-flight manoeuvres and struck the designated target with "textbook precision," accurately following the predicted trajectory throughout the mission.
New Delhi: In a significant boost to India’s indigenous defence capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Wednesday successfully conducted the flight-test of the Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR) from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, demonstrating high-precision strike capability at a user-defined minimum range of 60 kilometres.
The successful trial marks another milestone in India’s ongoing efforts to enhance the operational effectiveness of the indigenous Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL) system through advanced guided munitions.
Precision Strike Demonstrated
According to DRDO, the rocket successfully executed all planned in-flight manoeuvres and struck the designated target with “textbook precision,” accurately following the predicted trajectory throughout the mission.
The entire flight was continuously tracked by deployed range instrumentation, validating the rocket’s guidance, navigation and control systems under operational conditions.
Notably, the trial was conducted using an in-service Pinaka launcher, demonstrating that different variants of the Pinaka rocket system can be launched from the same platform without requiring modifications, thereby enhancing operational flexibility for the Indian Army.
Indigenous Development
The Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket has been designed and developed by the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) in collaboration with the High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL).
The programme also received technical support from:
- Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL)
- Research Centre Imarat (RCI)
The flight trial was coordinated by the Integrated Test Range (ITR) and the Proof & Experimental Establishment (PXE).
Major Milestone for Indigenous Defence
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, the Indian Army and industry partners on the successful flight-test.
He described the achievement as a major milestone in India’s indigenous capability to design and develop long-range guided rocket systems, further strengthening the country’s defence self-reliance under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Secretary Defence and Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Rajesh Kumar Singh, who closely monitored the trial, also congratulated all teams associated with the successful mission.
Enhancing Firepower of the Pinaka System
The Pinaka weapon system has evolved from an area saturation rocket system into a family of increasingly sophisticated precision-guided munitions capable of engaging high-value targets at extended ranges.
The successful test of the Long Range Guided Rocket is expected to further enhance the Indian Army’s ability to conduct accurate long-range fire support while reducing collateral damage through precision engagement.
The successful flight-test of the Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket highlights India’s steady progress in developing next-generation indigenous precision-guided weapon systems. By integrating advanced guidance technology with the battle-proven Pinaka launcher, DRDO is transforming the indigenous rocket artillery system into a versatile long-range precision strike platform. Such advancements not only strengthen the operational capabilities of the Indian Army but also reinforce India’s growing defence manufacturing ecosystem under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision.
