Indian Army Eyes Next-Gen All-Terrain Rocket Launcher with 50% Indigenous Content

The Indian Army is taking a big step forward in modernizing its artillery firepower. On May 16, 2025, the Army issued a Request for Information (RFI) to defence manufacturers for a brand-new, advanced Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS). What makes this system special is that it’s designed to be pod-based, highly mobile, and capable of operating across India’s diverse terrains — from deserts to mountains as high as 5,500 metres.

This move is part of India’s broader ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) initiatives, which focus on boosting domestic defence production. A key requirement in this new MLRS project is that at least 50% of the system’s content must be made in India. This is expected to bring together public and private defence companies, including big names like DRDO, Tata Advanced Systems, Larsen & Toubro, and BEML.

Why This New Rocket System Matters

Modern warfare demands rapid, precise, and flexible artillery support, and this is exactly what the Indian Army is aiming for. The proposed system will be capable of firing multiple rocket sizes — including 122mm, 214mm, and 300mm rockets or larger. This allows soldiers to target a wide variety of threats, from enemy troop concentrations to infrastructure deep inside enemy territory.

It will also support the latest types of ammunition, including loitering munitions. These are special drones or flying bombs that can circle over a target area before striking, making them perfect for destroying hidden or moving threats.

Pod-Based, Quick-Deploy, All-Terrain Capability

Like the famous American HIMARS system, India’s new MLRS will have a pod-based design. This means the rocket pods can be quickly swapped out after firing, cutting down reload times and improving battlefield efficiency.

The system will be mounted on 6×6 or 8×8 high-mobility vehicles, allowing it to move swiftly across rough terrain. Whether in the deserts of Rajasthan, dense forests, or high-altitude Himalayan areas near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, this system is being built to perform reliably everywhere.

Connected, Smart and Precise

Another exciting feature is its planned integration with Project Shakti, the Indian Army’s indigenous Artillery Combat Command and Control System (ACCS). This digital network will allow the MLRS to work in coordination with drones, radars, and command centres for faster and more accurate targeting.

The system will also use navigation technologies like GPS, Russia’s GLONASS, and India’s own IRNSS (NavIC) satellites for pinpoint accuracy. Smart, precision-guided rockets will allow commanders to strike specific targets without wasting ammunition.

Building on the Success of Pinaka

India already has experience with modern rocket systems through its successful Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL). Pinaka has evolved over the years, from its first 45 km range version to guided variants that can strike up to 90 km, with new models under development for ranges of 120 km and 300 km.

The new MLRS will consolidate this experience by combining multiple rocket calibres into one system, while also introducing advanced capabilities like loitering munitions. This not only simplifies logistics but also enhances operational flexibility.

Strengthening Self-Reliance in Defence

By insisting on at least 50% indigenous content, this project will promote India’s domestic defence industry and reduce dependency on foreign imports. It will also ensure that critical components, from vehicles to rocket pods, electronics, and targeting systems, are made locally, strengthening both national security and economic growth.

Additionally, manufacturers are being asked to provide long-term support, integrated diagnostic tools, and field maintenance systems to keep the MLRS battle-ready for years.

Final Thoughts

The Indian Army’s push for a new, advanced, all-terrain, multi-calibre rocket system is not just about enhancing firepower. It’s about building a future-ready, self-reliant military force capable of responding quickly and decisively to any threat. With a mix of indigenous innovation, smart technology, and battlefield adaptability, this MLRS project represents a key step in India's journey toward modernising its defence capabilities.