Even as Armenia received a delivery of the Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher system (MBRLS) and France has reportedly shown interest in purchasing the same, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), on Thursday, conducted flight tests of the guided Pinaka weapon system as part of provisional staff qualitative requirements (PSQR) validation trials.
#WATCH | Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully completed the Flight Tests of Guided Pinaka Weapon System as part of Provisional Staff Qualitative Requirements (PSQR) Validation Trials. The flight tests have been conducted in three phases at… pic.twitter.com/8SSkFdxRtJ
— ANI (@ANI) November 14, 2024
The flight tests of the weapon system were conducted in three phases at different field firing ranges.
During these tests, various PSQR parameters, including accuracy, consistency, and rate of fire for multiple target engagements in a salvo mode were assessed.
ALSO READ: Russia's Su-57 fighter jet better than all its counterparts in the world, claims Russian test pilot
The guided Pinaka weapon system is an advanced version of the multi-barrel rocket launcher, which incorporates precision-guided munitions, ensuring more accurate strikes against specific targets. These systems are equipped with seekers which improves targeting accuracy.
As many as 12 rockets from each production agency from two in-service Pinaka launchers, upgraded by the launcher production agencies, have been tested.
The precision strike variant of the Pinaka rocket launcher system is a completely indigenous weapon system designed and developed by the Armament Research and Development Establishment in association with Research Centre Imarat, Defence Research and Development Laboratory, High Energy Materials Research Laboratory and Proof & Experimental Establishment with Munitions India Limited and Economic Explosives Limited as production agencies for ammunition, and Tata Advanced Systems Limited and Larsen & Toubro for Pinaka launcher and Battery Command Post.
Hailing the development, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the induction of the guided Pinaka weapon system will further enhance the artillery firepower of the armed forces.
The Pinaka system has been compared to the American HIMARS, which has been exported to various countries. Being developed as a replacement for the Russia-made truck-mounted 122 mm multiple rocket launcher GRAD BM-21, the Pinaka system is named after Lord Shiva's bow.
The successful flight tests are certainly a major advancement in the artillery capabilities of the country as it combines precision guidance with rapid firepower, and may attract more global buyers in the coming days.
