First Pinaka export: Private companies to lead from front

India's first export of the indigenous Pinaka multi barrel rocket launchers (MBRL) will see private sector companies leading from the front, with the bulk of the order to be executed by industry partners that have established production facilities and supply chains for quick deliveries.

Armenia, which has placed orders for four Pinaka batteries (two to be delivered first and an equal additional order later), will also get a range of new extended range rockets being developed for the Indian Army as well as guided rockets in the near future. Interest for the indigenous system has also come from nations in West Asia as well as Southeast Asian militaries that are looking to increase firepower.

Private sector companies that partnered with the Defence Research and Development Organisation - Larsen & Toubro, Tata Defence and Economic Explosives Limited - have set up production lines for the Pinaka system that are being supplied in bulk to the armed forces. The companies are already executing orders for six regiments of the Pinaka for the army, to add to the four regiments that are already in service. As part of larger artillery modernisation plans, the army has a requirement of 22 regiments of the MBRL.


The six Pinaka regiments on order by the army include 114 launchers with automated gun aiming and positioning system and 45 command posts and the project has more than 70% indigenous content. The running order places the Indian companies in a good place to execute fast deliveries of the Pinaka system to Armenia, supplies of which could commence within a year.