Pinaka missiles test fired for the second day in salvo mode

The Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) test fired Pinaka missile system successfully for the second day on December 20, 2019 at Chandipur, Odisha. The first trial that was conducted on Dec 19, 2019, was also done at the Integrated Test range, Chandipur, Odisha.

Highlights

DRDO conducted the test firings of the Pinaka missile systems in salvo mode. The test was conducted at 20-km range and highest accuracy was achieved. The same trial was conducted for the second day as well in order to test the proximity initiation and also to test salvo launch. During this test trial, two missiles were fired at 60 seconds interval.

Salvo mode

Salvo is simultaneous discharge of firearms. This is a tactic used to cripple an enemy and prevent them from fighting back.

What is Pinaka?

Pinaka is a multi-barrel Rocket launcher (MBRL) system. It is capable of deploying 72 rockets in 44 seconds. Also, the rockets can be fired in different directions as well. Through technology transfer, Indian Army awarded contracts of manufacturing batteries of the Pinaka MBRL to TATA and L&T to produce 40 batteries each in 2006. In 2015, the Defence Acquisition Council cleared direct purchase of additional regiments of indigenous Pinaka multiple-launch rocket system. This was done to upgrade 26 Ilyushin transport aircraft bought from Russia.

Month: Current Affairs - December, 2019