CCS Approved ₹10,000 Crore For Pinaka Rocket Production

In a significant move to bolster India's defense capabilities and promote self-reliance, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the country's largest domestic ammunition contract. This initiative involves the production of advanced rockets worth over ₹10,000 crore to meet the Indian Army's requirements over the next decade.

Key Highlights:

• Indigenous Production: The project focuses on manufacturing enhanced-range Pinaka rockets and Area Denial Munitions (ADM) within India. These munitions have been developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and will be produced by Munitions India Ltd (MIL) and Economic Explosives Ltd (EEL), both of which have received the necessary technology transfers from DRDO.

• Contract Distribution: EEL emerged as the lowest bidder and is set to receive 60% of the contract value, while MIL will account for the remaining 40%, having agreed to match EEL's bid price.

About the Pinaka Rocket System:

The Pinaka is a multi-barrel rocket launcher system designed to enhance the Indian Army's artillery capabilities. Key features include:

• Enhanced Range: The Pinaka Mk-I (Enhanced) Rocket System (EPRS) boasts a range exceeding 45 kilometers. A more advanced variant has been successfully tested, capable of striking targets up to 75 kilometers away, with future developments aiming for ranges beyond 150 kilometers.

• Mobility: The system is mounted on a 6x6 military truck, allowing for rapid movement and repositioning after firing, which enhances its survivability on the battlefield.

• Firepower: Equipped with two pods, each containing six rockets, the Pinaka can launch a salvo of 12 rockets in just 44 seconds, effectively neutralizing targets over a 700 x 500 meter area.

Area Denial Munitions (ADM):

The Pinaka ADM variant is designed to disperse hundreds of bomblets over a wide area, effectively denying enemy forces access and targeting both personnel and armored formations. This capability is particularly useful against advancing enemy troops and vehicles.

Strategic Deployment:

The Indian Army currently has 10 Pinaka regiments on order and plans to deploy these systems along the northern frontier with China, significantly bolstering its combat prowess in the region.

Future Prospects:

Given the success and advanced capabilities of the Pinaka system, the Indian Army is likely to increase the number of regiments in the future, further strengthening India's indigenous defense production and operational readiness.

This initiative not only enhances India's defense capabilities but also aligns with the government's 'Make in India' vision, promoting self-reliance in critical defense technologies.