Pinaka Rocket System
About
- The Pinaka Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) is a long-range artillery weapon system developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for the Indian Army.
- A battery of six Pinaka launchers can fire 72 rockets in just 44 seconds, destroying enemy targets across an area of 1000 metres by 800 metres.
- Regarded as one of the most successful indigenous weapon systems, it was first deployed during the 1999 Kargil War.
- Last year, the flight test of the Pinaka Long-Range Guided Rocket (LRGR-120) was successfully completed. This latest variant extends the system’s operational range to 120 km, a significant improvement over its original range of 37.5 km.
- 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.
Why in News?
- The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted a successful flight-test of Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR) at the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur in Odisha.