As the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), on Monday, successfully conducted the maiden flight test of the Pinaka long-range guided rocket, which has a maximum range of 120 km, a former DRDO scientist observed that the 120-kilometre range can prove very decisive for a tactical weapon on the battlefield.
The rocket was tested for its maximum range of 120 km, “demonstrating all in-flight manoeuvres,” as planned at the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur in Odisha.
For more defence news, views and updates, visit: Fortress India
Speaking about the importance of the Pinaka long-range guided rocket and the weapon system in general, former DRDO scientist Dr Ravi Gupta observed that the Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher system is significant in many ways.
He pointed out that this was the first defence system to be manufactured by private industry in the country.
“It was in 2008, under the leadership of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, that for the first time in the history of independent India, the participation of private industry in the defence sector was approved. This proved to be a game-changer, and leveraging this, DRDO collaborated with the private sector to have it produced by private industries.”
He said that during the Kargil War, even when the Pinaka was not yet fully developed, the weapon system demonstrated its capabilities.
“Since then, it has made a very significant contribution to the Army. Moreover, the advantage of a multi-barrel rocket launcher is that it is less expensive. Compared to our guided missiles, its cost is significantly lower, although its accuracy is not as high as that of guided missiles.”
What makes Monday’s test significant?
The defence ministry, on Monday, said the maiden flight test of the Pinaka long-range guided rocket (LRGR 120) was conducted successfully at the Integrated Test Range. The LRGR was launched from the in-service Pinaka launcher, demonstrating its versatility and providing launch capability of Pinaka variants of different ranges from the same launcher, it added.
The rocket is designed by the Armament Research and Development Establishment, a lab of the DRDO, in association with the High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, and with support from the Defence Research and Development Laboratory and Research Centre Imarat.
Speaking to news agency ANI, Gupta said the 120-kilometre-range multi-barrelled long-range rocket system has an accuracy comparable to a guided missile, but at a much lower cost. “A large area of enemy territory can be destroyed in just a few minutes. A 120-kilometre range can prove very decisive for a tactical weapon on the battlefield, and this will give our armed forces great strength and power.”
He said that although this is a tactical weapon, when it is used in large quantities by the armed forces, it can prove very decisive in a war.
Another important aspect is that since it was developed in collaboration with the private sector, it will help in expanding the defence industry.
