In an exclusive interview with Chakra News, Dr. A. Raju, Director of the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), has confirmed that the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is working on advanced variants of the indigenous Pinaka rocket system with extended range and enhanced lethality. 

Pinaka Rocket System: Indigenous Firepower
The Pinaka is India’s homegrown multi-barrel rocket launcher (MBRL), developed as a replacement for the Russian BM-21 Grad and Smerch systems. Mounted on an 8x8 Tatra truck, it can launch a salvo of 12 rockets in just 44 seconds. Its rapid response time and high pointing accuracy allow it to strike time-sensitive targets with devastating effect.

During firing, the system is stabilized using four hydraulically actuated outriggers. Each launcher has two pods, each with six tubes arranged in a 2x3 matrix. The system can be operated via a Fire Control Computer (FCC), a Launcher Computer (LC), or manually. Targeting is handled by an Automatic Gun Alignment and Pointing System (AGAPS) or through a dial sight.

Production of the Pinaka rocket system is handled by Yantar India Limited, Solar Industries Limited, Economic Explosives Limited, and Munitions India Limited. The launcher components are developed by Larsen & Toubro and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), while Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) supplies the trucks.

Pinaka: The Kargil Hero
Pinaka was first deployed during the 1999 Kargil War, where it played a crucial role in neutralizing enemy positions at high altitudes. Its success alongside the Bofors artillery gun cemented its place in India’s artillery arsenal.

Existing Variants
Dr. Raju outlined the currently operational variants: the Pinaka Mk-I with a range of 37.5 km. Then there's the enhanced Pinaka which can hit targets at 50 km and finally the Guided Pinaka with a range of 75 km.

The Guided Pinaka was inducted into the Indian Army in late 2024. During trials, it achieved a Circular Error Probable (CEP) of just 2–3 metres—far exceeding the Army's requirement of 40 metres. "It's almost like a cruise missile," Dr. Raju noted.

Next-Generation Variants
Looking ahead, ARDE is developing new variants using the existing launcher platform. Dr. Raju revealed that a 120 km-range Pinaka variant has already been completed. Another vairant: a 300 km-range version which would be  comparable to the U.S. Army’s Tactical Missile System (ATACMS), is under development as a new category of precision strike weapon.

Separate variants are being developed for the Indian Navy and a potential air-launched version for the Indian Air Force. These future variants are expected to be designated Mk-3 and Mk-4.

Dr. Raju emphasised that while the launcher platform will remain unchanged, the rockets themselves will be redesigned to meet longer-range and multi-service operational needs.

Arjun Dev Singh

Arjun Dev Singh has a deep interest in defence, security, and strategic affairs. With a strong analytical lens and a passion for military and geopolitical developments, Arjun strives to bring clarity and context to complex national and international issues.