The maiden flight test of the Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR-120) was successfully conducted on Monday at the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur, Odisha.
Notably, the maiden trial of the 120-km-range rocket was carried out on the same day the project received clearance for induction into the Indian Army by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), which met earlier in the afternoon.
During the test, the rocket was fired to its maximum range of 120 km and successfully executed all planned in-flight manoeuvres. The LRGR impacted the designated target with textbook precision.
All deployed range instrumentation tracked the rocket throughout its flight trajectory. The LRGR has been designed by the Armament Research and Development Establishment in collaboration with the High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, with support from the Defence Research and Development Laboratory and the Research Centre Imarat.
The flight trial was coordinated by the Integrated Test Range and the Proof and Experimental Establishment. The rocket was launched from an in-service Pinaka launcher, demonstrating the system’s versatility and its ability to fire Pinaka variants of different ranges from the same platform.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on the achievement, describing the successful development of long-range guided rockets as a game-changer that will significantly enhance the capabilities of the Armed Forces.
Secretary, Department of Defence Research and Development and Chairman, DRDO, Samir V Kamat, witnessed the trial and congratulated the teams for successfully meeting all mission objectives.
The Pinaka Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) is a long-range artillery weapon system developed by DRDO for the Indian Army. Known for its rapid response and precision, the 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. Chief of Army Staff 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. (ANI)
-ANI
