New Delhi: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully completed the flight tests of the Guided Pinaka Weapon System, marking a significant milestone in the system’s Provisional Staff Qualitative Requirements (PSQR) validation trials. These tests, conducted in three phases across different field firing ranges, have assessed key performance parameters, including accuracy, consistency, ranging, and the rate of fire for engaging multiple targets in a salvo mode.
The extensive testing involved launching twelve rockets from each of the two in-service Pinaka launchers, which had been upgraded by the respective launcher production agencies. The rockets were tested for precision strike capabilities, with a focus on meeting the stringent PSQR parameters for guided artillery fire.
The Guided Pinaka, a fully indigenous weapon system, has been developed by the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) in collaboration with several DRDO laboratories, including the Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL), and Proof & Experimental Establishment (PXE). The ammunition production is handled by Munitions India Limited and Economic Explosives Limited, while Tata Advanced Systems Limited and Larsen & Toubro are responsible for the Pinaka launcher and Battery Command Post.
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO and the Indian Army for the successful validation trials, stating that the induction of the Guided Pinaka Weapon System will significantly enhance the artillery firepower of the Indian Armed Forces. He praised the efforts of all those involved in the successful testing and the continued progress in indigenous defence technology.
Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Secretary of the Department of Defence Research and Development and Chairman of DRDO, also expressed his appreciation for the teams that contributed to the trials. He confirmed that the rocket system has now completed all prerequisite flight trials, paving the way for its induction into the Indian Army.
This successful trial marks a major step towards bolstering the Indian Army’s artillery capabilities with cutting-edge indigenous technology, ensuring greater precision and operational efficiency in future military engagements.
