Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher

About Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher:

• It is designed by the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), a laboratory of the DRDO.
• It was first used during the Kargil War, where it successfully neutralised Pakistan Army positions on the mountain tops.
• It delivers lethal and responsive fire against a variety of area targets, such as exposed enemy troops, armoured and soft-skin vehicles, communication centres, air terminal complexes, and fuel and ammunition dumps.
• Features:
  • It consists of a multi-tube launcher vehicle, a replenishment-cum-loader vehicle, a replenishment vehicle, and a command post vehicle.
  • The rocket launcher has two pods containing six rockets each and can neutralise an area of 700 × 500 square metres within 48 seconds. 
  • The launcher system is supported on four hydraulically actuated outriggers at the time of firing. 
  • Range: It has a range of 60 to 75 kilometers.
  • The system is mounted on a Tatra truck for mobility.
• Its success has already extended beyond India's borders, with countries like Armenia placing orders, and many others expressing interest in acquiring the system.
• It is suitable for different types of military engagements, such as counter-terrorism, border defence, and conventional warfare.

Q1: What is the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)?

DRDO was formed in 1958 by merging the then-existing Technical Development Establishment (TDEs) of the Indian Army and the Directorate of Technical Development and Production (DTDP) with the Defence Science Organisation (DSO).

News:France evaluating India’s Pinaka rocket system for its requirements