The Indian government has cleared a proposal to procure ammunition for Pinaka multi-launch rocket systems at a cost of Rs 10,200 crore, according to a report by PTI.
Earlier on January 13, Indian Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi had said that two Pinaka contracts, one for high explosive pre-fragmented ammunition and another for area denial munitions, are set to be inked before end of the current fiscal.
The two types of ammunition are being procured for around six Pinaka regiments that the Army plans to deploy to bolster its combat prowess along the northern frontier with China.
What Is Pinaka System?
The Pinaka system is a powerful multi-barrel rocket launcher developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE).
The Pinaka system was originally built with a 37.5 kilometres range, however, overtime it has been upgraded to deliver greater range and effectiveness, especially along the northern borders.
Pinaka MK-1: This happens to be the basic version of the Pinaka rocket system. It has a range of around 38-40 kms.
Pinaka MK-II: This is the upgraded version of Pinaka rocket system and can hit targets at a distance of 60 km.
Extended Range Pinaka: This variant is the latest addition to the Pinaka rocket system of the Indian Army. It can target up to 75 kms.
The Indian Army already has four regiments of Pinaka rocket systems and they are mostly placed in high-altitude areas along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) at the Indo-Tibetian border.
