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Picture Courtesy: PIB

Context:

The maiden flight test of Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR 120) was conducted successfully at Integrated Test Range, Chandipur.

Importance of Pinaka long range guided rocket:

A new long-range guided rocket of the Pinaka family successfully demonstrated a maximum range of about 120 km with highly accurate target engagement. The test also confirmed its guidance, control and in-flight manoeuvring capabilities. Importantly, it was fired from an in-service Pinaka launcher, proving interoperability with existing Pinaka systems and increasing battlefield flexibility.

Understanding the Pinaka System:

Pinaka is an indigenously developed Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL) system created by DRDO in the 1990s and inducted after the Kargil conflict to provide area-saturation fire support to the Army.

Variants:

• Pinaka Mk-I – range about 40 km; unguided rockets for conventional battlefield support
• Pinaka Mk-II / Guided Pinaka – range roughly 70–90 km with guidance-based accuracy improvements
• Pinaka LRGR-120 (latest) – range up to 120 km; precision-guided long-range strike capability

Technical Features of LRGR-120:

Range and Accuracy: Capable of striking targets up to 120 km away with high precision.

Guidance and Navigation: Uses a guidance architecture believed to include INS-GPS–based navigation with provisions for mid-course updates to improve terminal accuracy.

Design and Development: Developed primarily by ARDE, with contributions from HEMRL, DRDL and RCI; trials supported by ITR and Proof & Experimental Establishment.

Launcher Compatibility: The rocket can be fired from existing Pinaka launchers, enabling different-range munitions to be used from the same platform. 

Strategic significance for India:

• Extends battlefield reach, filling the space between tube artillery and short-range missiles
• Enables precise counter-battery fire and deep-area interdiction
• Reinforces Aatmanirbhar Bharat through indigenous defence manufacturing
• Acts as a cost-effective force multiplier and strengthens deterrence

Conclusion:

The successful test of the Pinaka LRGR-120 demonstrates India’s growing capability in indigenous, precision-guided long-range rockets. With 120 km accurate strike range and compatibility with existing Pinaka launchers, it significantly enhances standoff firepower, operational flexibility, and self-reliance in advanced artillery systems.

 Source: PIB