The Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) has cleared the procurement of 6,400 new rockets for the Pinaka weapon system worth Rs 2800 Crores.
Notably, the approval has been given to the acquisition of two types of these rockets, known as Area Denial Munition Type 2 and Type-3, defence sources told ANI.
The rockets would be procured by the Indian Army from indigenous sources only.
Apart from government owned Munitions India Limited, private player Economic Explosives Limited of Solar Industries, are the likely contenders.
The Pinaka Multi Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL) is an advanced artillery weapon system designed for all-weather, indirect area fire and deployed along the borders with Pakistan and China.
About Pinaka weapon system
Pinaka is a multiple rocket launcher produced in India and developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for the Indian Army.
While DRDO was responsible for the overall design and development, its partners played a significant role in developing important subsystems and components.
They include Tata Power SED, Larsen & Toubro, Solar Industries, Munitions India Limited and Yantra India Limited.
Besides, these companies DPSU Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) has also been involved as it supplies electronic systems & components for these rockets like weapon locating radar and command/control systems.
The system has a maximum range of 40 km for Mark-I and 120 km for Mark-I enhanced version, and can fire a salvo of 12 HE rockets in 44 seconds.
Besides, the system is mounted on a Tatra truck for mobility.
As of now, it has been inducted into the Indian Army in large numbers.
Moreover, the Pinaka regiments of the Indian Army include launchers with automated gun aiming and positioning systems and command posts.
Further, as of 2021, an upgraded guided missile version of the system has been test-fired, with a range of over 90 km.
