Army to get first batch of extended range Pinaka rockets
Nagpur: The Army is set to receive the first batch of the extended-range variant of Pinaka rockets from Nagpur-based Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited (SDAL) on Thursday.
A proof test of the rockets — capable of striking targets up to 45km — was successfully conducted on Wednesday, clearing the way for delivery, sources said. The proof test involves quality checks on randomly selected samples from the production lot before final induction.
This marks the first induction of the extended-range Pinaka rockets into the Indian Army. The existing variants have a strike range of under 40km. Both SDAL and Munitions India Limited (MIL) have secured orders to supply these upgraded systems, with proof tests for MIL's batch scheduled later this month.
Indian firms, however, are already exporting the guided variants of Pinaka rockets —capable of ranges exceeding 70km — to Armenia.
Indian manufacturers had begun supplying these systems to Armenia even before their induction into the Indian armed forces. However, Armenia's conflict with Azerbaijan has complicated logistics. With the country effectively landlocked and neighbouring allies of Azerbaijan restricting transit, the primary supply route had been through Iran.
That route has now become increasingly uncertain due to the evolving geopolitical situation, a private defence manufacturer and strategist said.
As a result, consignments are currently held up in India, awaiting clearance for shipment. Sources indicated the last deliveries may have been dispatched in February.
Developed from the Russian Smerch system, Pinaka was indigenised in 2009 and initially produced by ordnance factories. SDAL has since become the first private sector company to manufacture the system, which has emerged as a key component of India's artillery capabilities.