Pinaka MkIII: Developed by DRDO, this guided rocket system boasts a 120 km range, bolstering the Indian Army's artillery strength.
Advanced Technology: Features a 300 mm caliber, 250 kg warhead and a precision-guiding system.
Testing: Development and user trials will begin soon, accelerating its army deployment.
Self-Reliant India: The DRDO-Solar Industries partnership highlights indigenous technology advancement.
Strategic Importance: Prepared to counter China and Pakistan's long-range rocket systems.
India's Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has developed an advanced guided rocket system, Pinaka MkIII, to strengthen its artillery power. This rocket can accurately target up to 120 kilometers. Tests are set to commence soon. This system is poised to be a game-changer for the Indian Army, effectively countering long-range weapons from neighbors like China and Pakistan.
What is Pinaka MkIII?
Pinaka MkIII is a multi-barrel rocket launcher (MBRL) system developed by the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) in Pune, in collaboration with other labs. It is the most advanced version of the Pinaka family, surpassing older variants like Pinaka MkI (40 km), MkII (60-90 km), and Guided Pinaka (75-90 km). Its features include...
Source: aajtak
Range and Power: With a range of 120 km and a 250 kg warhead, it can destroy enemy command centers, bunkers, and logistics bases.
Caliber: Offering a larger 300 mm diameter compared to the previous 214 mm, it supports more fuel and a sophisticated guidance system.
Precision: Developed by DRDO's Research Centre Imarat (RCI), its guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) kit features laser gyro navigation and microstrip antennas, achieving precision below 10 meters CEP, far superior to MkI's 500 meters.
Launcher Compatibility: Compatible with existing Pinaka launchers, reducing new costs. Each launcher houses 8 guided rockets capable of decimating a 700×500 meter area in 44 seconds.
Source: aajtak
Testing and Production
Pre-production units of Pinaka MkIII have been crafted by Economic Explosives Limited (EEL), a subsidiary of Solar Industries India Limited. Development and user trials are about to begin, involving...
12 Rocket Tests: Manufactured by EEL and Munitions India Limited (MIL), these rockets will be fired from two advanced Pinaka launchers.
Parameters: Evaluating range, accuracy, stability, and firing rate in salvo mode.
Command and Control: Integration with existing systems and performance in combat-like conditions.
Combined testing builds on the success of earlier Guided Pinaka tests (November 2024), demonstrating ranges over 75 km and pinpoint accuracy. This initiative aids in the rapid induction of the system into the army.
Source: aajtak
Indigenization and Solar Industries’ Role
The production of Pinaka MkIII is the fruit of a collaboration between DRDO and Solar Industries. Under the Transfer of Technology (ToT) agreement, the rockets are manufactured indigenously, with Solar Industries having previously produced rockets for Pinaka MkI and Guided Pinaka, validating their success in 2020 and 2021 tests. This partnership underscores the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission, relying on homegrown technology.
Strategic Importance
The development of Pinaka MkIII considers the evolving security landscape of South Asia...
Response to China and Pakistan:
With China's 300 mm PHL-03 (70-130 km) and Pakistan's A-100 (120 km) systems, India's need for long-range capabilities has heightened. In 2021, the Indian Army approved 120 km and 300 km variants of Pinaka.
Effective in Ladakh and Kargil:
Its precise guidance system is adept at obliterating enemy positions in mountainous regions.
Cost-Effective:
The use of existing launchers and indigenous design simplifies maintenance and logistics, making it more economical.
Future Plans:
DRDO is working on 200-300 km range variants, potentially categorizing Pinaka as a short-range ballistic missile.
