Pinaka LRGR launched from ITR (Photo: DRDO)
New Delhi: The maiden flight test of Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR 120) with a strike range of 120-km was conducted successfully at Integrated Test Range, Chandipur on December 29.
Tested for its maximum range of 120 kms, the Pinaka LRGR demonstrated all in-flight manoeuvres as planned.
Read also: Indian Army to complete Pinaka regiment expansion by 2026 in artillery modernization push
“The LRGR impacted on the target with textbook precision,” an official said.
It is pertinent to mention here that the defence acquisition council (DAC)-chaired by the defence minister, Rajnath Singh granted approval for the procurement of defence equipment worth ₹79,000 crore. The proposed acquisitions also included long-range guided rocket ammunition for the Army’s Pinaka multiple launch rocket system.
All the deployed range instruments tracked the flight throughout its trajectory.
Designed by Armament Research and Development Establishment in association with High Energy Materials Research Laboratory and support from Defence Research and Development Laboratory and Research Centre Imarat, the Pinaka LRGR’s flight trial was coordinated by ITR and Proof & Experimental Establishment.
The LRGR was launched from the in-service Pinaka launcher demonstrating its versatility and providing launch capability of Pinaka variants of different range from the same launcher.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has congratulated DRDO on the achievement. He stated that the successful design and development of long range guided rockets will boost the capabilities of Armed Forces, terming it as a game changer.
Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman, DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat witnessed the trial and congratulated all the teams for accomplishing the mission objectives.
Read also: As India moves to add Pinaka and new corps teeth along LAC, China cries foul
Known for its rapid response and precision, the Pinaka system significantly enhances the Army’s operational capabilities in modern warfare.
Regarded as one of the most successful indigenous weapon systems, Pinaka has strong backing from the Army.
Indian Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi has indicated that once longer-range versions of the Pinaka are fully operational, the Army may reconsider plans to procure alternative systems.
The Pinaka system has also emerged as a major success in the defence export segment.
It has been procured by Armenia, while several European countries, including France, have shown interest in the system.
