The Indian Army is set to receive a major upgrade with the development of a new version of the Pinaka missile, boasting an impressive 200 km range. What sets Pinaka apart? It's India's very own rocket launcher system. The government has greenlit a substantial Rs 28,000 crore budget for Pinaka, marking a pivotal moment for defense initiatives.

In a recent meeting of the Defence Acquisition Council, the Defence Ministry sanctioned a Rs 2,800 crore proposal. This funding aims to procure approximately 6,400 rockets for the Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher systems. Notably, two variants of rockets, identified as Area Denial Munition Type 2 and Type-3, have received the green signal. The rockets will be sourced domestically, and leading contenders include Economic Explosives Limited of Solar Industries and Munitions India Limited, a key player in ammunition production resulting from the corporatisation of the former Ordnance Factories.

What Pinaka is all about: Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Pinaka is a multiple rocket launcher designed exclusively for the Indian Army. Capable of firing 12 HE rockets in a rapid 44 seconds, the Mark-I has a range of 40 km, while the enhanced Mark-I version reaches an impressive 120 km. Named after Lord Shiva, Pinaka's roots trace back to its initial development in the 1980s. This latest boost in funding showcases India's commitment to advancing its defense capabilities.

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