DRDO: Advanced Version of Pinaka Rocket test fired successfully

November 5, 2020

On November 5, 2020, the Defence Research Development Organization test fired the advanced version of Pinaka rocket successfully. The rocket was test fired in Chandipur, Odisha.

Key Highlights

The enhanced version is to achieve longer range as compared to the earlier version. This is to replace the current version of Pinaka Mk-1 system deployed along the borders of Pakistan and China.

The Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher system called the Shiva’s bow can fire 12 rockets in 44 seconds. One single battery of Pinaka system consists of six launch vehicles. They are accompanied by command post, links with network-based systems and radar. A battery can neutralize an area of 1 km by 1 km.

The Pinaka Mark-1, that is currently being used by the Army has a range of 38 km. On the other hand, the current tested version, enhanced Pinaka Mark-1 has a range of 45 km.

The Pinaka Mk-II has a range of 60 km and the Guided Pinaka system has a range of 75 km. the Guided Pinaka has an integrated control, navigation and guidance system. It is guided by the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System.

About the Test

A total of six rocket was launched. The rockets tested were manufactured by the Economic Explosives Limited, Nagpur. DRDO had transferred the technology to the manufacturer. The test was tracked by instruments such as Electro-Optical Tracking System, radar.

Background

DRDO began development of multi-barrel rocket system in the late 1980s. It is an alternate to the Russian Multi Barrel Rocket Launcher System called “Grad”. Pinaka was first used in Kargil war.

Recent Tests

On October 23, 2020, the Indian Navy released a video showing the INS Prabal launching a missile. Similar tests were conducted by Indian Navy on October 30, 2020 as well. On October 30, 2020, the Indian Navy test fired an anti-ship missile from INS Kora in Bay of Bengal.

The other recently conducted missile test fires of India are as follows