In news– Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Army have successfully flight-tested Pinaka Mk-I (Enhanced) Rocket System (EPRS) and Pinaka Area Denial Munition (ADM) rocket systems at Pokhran Firing Ranges recently.
Pinaka Mk-I EPRS & ADM-
- The EPRS is the upgraded version of the Pinaka variant which has been in service with the Indian Army for the last decade.
- The system has been upgraded with advanced technologies enhancing the range to meet the emerging requirements.
- After establishing the performance efficacy of the enhanced range version of Pinaka, the technology was transferred to the industries viz. Munitions India Limited (MIL) and Economic Explosives Limited Nagpur.
- Different variants of munitions and fuzes which can be used in the Pinaka rocket system were also successfully test evaluated in the Pokhran Field Firing Range.
- Pinaka Area Denial Munition (ADM) variants of munition designed by the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), Pune for Pinaka and manufactured by the industry partners under technology transfer.
About Pinaka Rocket Systems-
- Pinaka is a multiple rocket launcher developed by ARDE, Pune supported by High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, another Pune-based laboratory of DRDO for the Indian Army.
- The system has a maximum range of 40 km for Mark-I and 60 km for Mark-I enhanced version, and can fire a salvo of 12 HE rockets in 44 seconds.
- However, the range of the Pinaka Mk II missile is estimated to be between 60 Km-75 Km.
- Pinaka Mark 2 manufactured by Solar Industries completed the User Assisted Technical Trial (USTT) in December 2021.
- Pinaka saw service during the Kargil War, where it was successful in neutralizing enemy positions on the mountain tops.
- It has since been inducted into the Indian Army in large numbers.
- Pinaka is a complete multi-barrel rocket launch system, each Pinaka battery consists of: six launcher vehicles, each with 12 rockets; six loader-replenishment vehicles; three replenishment vehicles; two Command Post vehicle (one stand by) with a Fire Control computer, and the DIGICORA MET radar.
Source: PIB
