Cabinet Clears Rs 10,200 Crore Deals For Indigenous Pinaka Rocket Systems

In a significant boost to India’s indigenous defense capabilities, the Prime Minister-led Cabinet Committee on Security approved two major deals on Wednesday worth approximately Rs 10,200 crore for the Pinaka multi-launch artillery rocket systems.

These deals will enhance the firepower of the Army’s artillery units, particularly in high-explosive and area denial ammunition.

Cabinet Clears Deals For Lethal Ammunition

The two deals cleared by the Cabinet include high-explosive pre-fragmented rocket ammunition, valued at around Rs 5,700 crore, and area denial munitions worth about Rs 4,500 crore.

The Indian Army, which boasts an impressive strength of over 11 lakh personnel, will use these ammunitions in the 10 Pinaka regiments already ordered. The deals were first reported by The Times of India earlier this month.

Capabilities Of Ammunition

The high-explosive pre-fragmented rockets will have an extended strike range of 45 kilometers, allowing for more precise and far-reaching strikes.

Meanwhile, the area denial munitions will have a 37-km range and are designed to saturate target areas with multiple bomblets. These bomblets include anti-tank and anti-personnel minelets, further boosting the Army’s capability to control strategic areas.

The Nagpur-based private sector company, Solar Group, and state-owned Munitions India Ltd. will produce the two types of ammunition. They will follow a 60:40 production ratio and expect to finalize the contracts within the coming days. This partnership marks a significant step in bolstering India’s defense manufacturing sector.

Pinaka’s Growing Role In The Army’s Arsenal

Currently, the Indian Army operates four Pinaka regiments, with some launchers deployed in high-altitude areas along the northern borders with China. An additional six regiments are in the process of being inducted into service.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) developed the Pinaka system. It has shown promising results in boosting the Army’s artillery capabilities.

Army’s Strategic Focus On Pinaka

Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, in a statement earlier this month, highlighted that as the Pinaka’s range increases, the Army may reconsider alternative long-range weapon systems.

He emphasized that once the Pinaka reaches its extended range, it could become the Army’s primary artillery rocket system. This aligns with India’s strategic goal for a more self-reliant and robust defense posture.

With these new deals and advancements in ammunition capabilities, the Pinaka system is set to play a key role in strengthening India’s artillery defense in the coming years.

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