Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Systems (Pinaka Mk-I and Mk-II)

 What is Pinaka? 

Pinaka multi-barrel rocket system (MBRS) is an indigenously-build, all-weather, indirect fire, a free flight artillery rocket system having a range of 37.5 km, named after Lord Shiva's bow.

Pinaka rockets are build by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for Indian Army.

Pinaka rockets are launched from a multi barrel rocket launcher (MBRL) which has capability to launch salvo of 12 rockets in 44 seconds. 

The range of Mark-I version of Pinaka i.e., Pinaka Mk-I is about 40 kms where as range of Mark-II version of Pinaka i.e.,  Pinaka Mk-II is around 75 kms.



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History of Pinaka

The development of  Pinaka was started by DRDO in 1986 as Indian army required a long range artillery system which can be an alternative to the multi-barrel rocket launching systems of Russian make, called like the ‘Grad’, which are still in use.

Pinaka Mk-I was first time used in the battlefield of Kargil War in 1999 and has proven its capabilities successfully.

After Kargil War, a dedicated Pinaka MBRL regiment was raised in February 2000.


Who has designed Pinaka?

The weapon system is designed and developed by Pune based DRDO lab, Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE) in association with: 

  • High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL), 
  • VRDE and 
  • CAIR

Who are manufacturers of Pinaka?

Pinaka rockets and its ground systems are currently under bulk production at: 

  • Ordnance Factories, 
  • BEML, 
  • BEL, 
  • Tata Power and 
  • L&T Defence

What is range of Pinaka?

The range of Mark-I version of Pinaka i.e., Pinaka Mk-I is about 40 kms where as range of Mark-II version of Pinaka i.e.,  Pinaka Mk-II is around 75 kms.


How does Pinaka system works?

The complete MBRL system of Pinaka is comprised of: 

  • 6 launcher vehicles, with each launcher vehicle having 12 rockets with: 
    • 6 loader-replenishment vehicles, 
    • 2 command post vehicles with fire control computer and 
    • a DIGICORA MET radar. 
Each Pinaka launcher can work independently, as it is controlled by its own computer. 

The launch system of Pinaka is comprised up of two pods, which are mounted side-by-side to each other on a Tatra launcher vehicle. 

Each launcher has the ability to fire all the rockets in one go or only a few - in a different direction than others with the help of its control computer. 

The Pinaka launcher can operate in different modes — 
  • autonomous, 
  • standalone, 
  • remote and 
  • manual
What kind of Warheads can be used with Pinaka?

The rockets of Pinaka can use a wide range of warheads comprised of: 
  • pre-fragmented high explosive which can inflict 20% to 30% more damage than conventional warheads,
  • anti-tank bomblet, 
  • anti-tank minelet warhead which is used to achieve 150mm armour penetration,
  • anti-personnel mines, 
  • incendiary practice 
  • pilot shot.

What is Guided Pinaka Rocket System?

Pinaka MK-II has a range of around 60 kms.

DRDO has developed Guided Pinaka rocket system by integrating the Guidance, Navigation and Control (GNC) kit to the existing Pinaka Mk-II rockets thus making the free flight Pinaka rocket to a guided Pinaka

  • It has improves the end accuracy of the rocket.
  • It has enhance the range to 75kms. 

The Navigation system of the missile is also aided by the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS). In comparison to artillery guns, rockets are less accurate, but with addition of guidance and navigation systems, this aspect is taken care of.

The development of guidance kit for Pinaka Mk-II rocket for accuracy improvement was taken up by ARDE in association with RCI, DRDL, HEMRL and PXE.


Pinaka Regiments 

Ministry of Defence has signed contracts worth Rs 2580 Cr on 31st Aug, 2020 with Indian Companies for supply of 6 Pinaka Regiments to the Regiment of Artillery of the Indian Army.

The Indian Companies with whom contact has been signed are:

  • Bharat Earth Movers Ltd. (BEML), 
  • Tata Power Company Ltd. (TPCL) 
  • Larsen & Toubro (L&T)

These Six Pinaka Regiments will comprise of: 
  • 114 Launchers with Automated Gun Aiming & Positioning System (AGAPS) 
  • 45 Command Posts to be procured from TPCL and L&T 
  • 330 Vehicles to be procured from BEML. 
These Six Pinaka Regiments will be operationalised along the Northern and Eastern Borders of our country further enhancing the operation preparedness of our Armed Forces. 

Induction of Six Pinaka Regiments is planned to be completed by 2024.


AHSP Transfer of Pinaka Weapon System from DRDO to DGQA

On 25 September, 2020,  the Authority Holding Sealed Particulars (AHSP) responsibility of Pinaka weapon system was handed over by DRDO to Directorate General of Quality Assurance (DGQA). 

AHSP transfer is important as it marks: 

a) Successful establishment of production of Pinaka rockets, Launchers, Battery Command Posts, Loader Cum Replenishment and Replenishment Vehicles 

b) Successful establishment of Quality Assurance processes

AHSP handing over took place at ARDE, Pune wherein the documentation required by various Production agencies, Quality Assurance agencies, Maintenance agencies and Users were formally handed over by ARDE, HEMRL and VRDE to CQA (A).


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