Chandipur (Odisha), December 29: India achieved a significant milestone in its artillery modernisation programme with the successful maiden flight test of the 120-kilometre Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR-120) on Monday. The test was conducted at the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur town of Balasore district, Odisha, marking a decisive step forward in enhancing the Indian Army’s long-range precision strike capability.
The LRGR-120 was flight-tested to its maximum range of 120 km, during which it executed all planned in-flight manoeuvres and hit the designated target with high accuracy, officials said. All range tracking instruments deployed along the trajectory successfully monitored the rocket throughout the flight, validating the performance of its guidance, navigation and control systems.
Extended Range Without Launcher Modification
A key highlight of the test is that the new 120-km guided rockets can be fired from existing Pinaka launchers, which are currently configured for rockets with ranges of around 40 km and over 75 km. This allows the Indian Army to significantly extend its strike reach without altering current launcher infrastructure, enabling faster induction and cost-effective upgrades across Pinaka regiments.
The Pinaka LRGR-120 is designed to provide long-range, high-precision firepower against high-value targets, strengthening India’s conventional deterrence and battlefield dominance. The system is seen as a critical addition to India’s artillery arsenal under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Indigenous Development Effort
The Pinaka Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) is an indigenously developed artillery system of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), known for its rapid deployment and high-volume fire capability. The LRGR-120 rocket has been designed by the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) in association with the High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL), with support from the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) and the Research Centre Imarat (RCI).
The flight trial was coordinated by ITR along with the Proof and Experimental Establishment (PXE). The rocket was launched from an in-service Pinaka launcher, demonstrating the system’s versatility and its ability to fire multiple variants of different ranges from the same platform.
Army Reinforces Pinaka Regiments
The Indian Army is simultaneously working to strengthen its existing Pinaka regiments, including the procurement of area-denial munitions to enhance operational flexibility. The induction of long-range guided rockets is expected to significantly improve precision strike, counter-battery operations and deep-fire capability in future conflicts.
Defence Minister Hails Achievement
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO and all stakeholders involved in the programme, stating that the successful development of long-range guided rockets would substantially enhance the combat capabilities of the Armed Forces. He described the achievement as a “game-changer” for India’s artillery modernisation.
The trial was witnessed by Dr Samir V Kamat, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman, DRDO, who commended the teams for meeting all mission objectives.
Export Potential and Global Interest
Pinaka has also emerged as a successful defence export platform. The system has already been inducted by Armenia, while several European countries, including France, have shown interest in acquiring the rocket artillery system. The successful test of the 120-km guided variant is expected to further boost its international prospects.
Rs 79,000 Crore Defence Procurements Approved
The LRGR-120 test coincided with a major policy decision in New Delhi. Earlier on Monday, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Rajnath Singh, approved Acceptance of Necessity for defence procurements worth about ₹79,000 crore for the Army, Navy and Air Force.
For the Army, approvals included Long Range Guided Rocket Ammunition for the Pinaka system, Loiter Munition Systems, Low Level Light Weight Radars and the upgraded Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction System Mk-II. The Navy and Air Force also received clearances for a range of platforms and systems aimed at enhancing surveillance, precision strike and operational readiness.
With the successful maiden test of the Pinaka LRGR-120, India has reinforced its push towards indigenous, long-range and precision-guided artillery systems, signalling a new phase in the modernisation of its conventional firepower.
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