The Indian defence establishment has roped in two of the country's biggest private defence manufacturers—Tata Advanced Systems and Larsen and Toubro (L&T)—within days to overhaul and upgrade the in-service, indigenous Pinaka multi-rocket launcher systems (MLRS). The back-to-back contracts indicate the ongoing efforts of the Indian security establishment to keep the artillery combat-ready by leveraging the original equipment manufacturers (OEM) to extend the life of the platform, manage obsolescence and improve operational availability.
The L&T deal
L&T, the OEM of the Pinaka multi-rocket launcher systems, has secured an order from the Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME) of the Indian Army for the overhaul, upgrade, and obsolescence management of the systems.
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In an exchange filing, the company said the partnership with the Corps of EME seeks to boost the long-term operational availability and modernisation of Pinaka regiments currently in service with the Indian Army. The programme will focus on managing outdated components, upgrading critical sub-systems and providing sustained technical support to Army Base Workshops.
As part of the initiative, as many as 510 Army Base Workshop (ABW) EME will undertake the overhaul and upgrade of critical electronics and systems, utilising domain knowledge inherent in the Army Base Workshop.
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L&T will supply critical spares and support the modernisation of sub-systems, enabling a shift from conventional maintenance practices to a structured, lifecycle-based sustenance and upgrade framework.
In the initial phase, the OEM will jointly undertake a pilot overhaul of the Pinaka launcher and battery command post in collaboration with 510 ABW. After the completion of the pilot phase, the remaining systems will be overhauled by 510 ABW of the Corps of EME, while L&T will continue to provide critical spares, technical support and quality oversight.
The model is expected to serve as a blueprint for similar lifecycle management and upgrade programmes across other defence platforms. The approach also aligns with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision by leveraging indigenous design, manufacturing and systems integration capabilities, the company said.
The development comes merely two days after Tata Advanced Systems partnered with the Indian Army to jointly undertake a pilot overhaul of select Pinaka Multiple Launch Rocket Systems and Battery Command Posts.
Tata-Indian Army collaboration
On Tuesday, the Indian Army handed over the supply order to support the Indian Army's 510 Advance Base Workshop (ABW) in the overhaul-cum-upgradation of in-service first-generation Pinaka Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS) and Battery Command Posts (BCPs) to Tata Advanced Systems, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tata Sons.
Under the collaboration, in the initial phase, the firm and the 510 ABW will jointly undertake a pilot overhaul of select Pinaka MLRS and BCPs.
Following the completion of this phase, the remaining Pinaka MLRS and BCPs will be overhauled by 510 ABW of the Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME) with Tata Advanced Systems providing critical spares, quality assurance and technical support, the company said in a statement.
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Tata Advanced Systems partnered with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to design and develop the Pinaka MLRS, an all-weather, indirect fire artillery capable of delivering high-volume firepower against critical targets, it further added.
Tata Advanced Systems has delivered a significant number of Pinaka MLRS, which are currently operationally deployed by the Indian Army, further strengthening the company's land combat systems portfolio, the company said.
The Pinaka MLRS is mounted on an 8x8 high mobility vehicle meeting the latest emission norms. It features automated shoot-and-scoot operations for rapid deployment and high survivability in tough terrains.
A microprocessor-based all-electric servo drive system, coupled with an inertial navigation system-based digital control and positioning system, gives it a net-centric capability, enabling precise targeting in minimal time, the statement said.
The launcher fires Pinaka Mk-I rockets and will be able to fire guided rockets with different types of warheads with minimal modifications, subsequently, it said.
The company has collaborated with the DRDO on the Pinaka MLRS since 1989, securing the landmark 2006 contract for the second Pinaka regiment.
This was followed by a repeat order in 2016 and a 2020 contract apportioning two of six additional regiments to the Tata Advanced Systems, it said.
The equipment supplied to the initial regiments, now in service for over 15 years, has benefited from significant upgrades in the subsequent production batches, enhancing commonality and performance, the statement said.
