Indian Army Seeks DAC Approval for ₹2,500 Crore Procurement of 120-km Pinaka Mk-III Rockets

The Indian Army has formally sought Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approval for the purchase of next-generation Pinaka Mk-III rockets, a long-range guided variant capable of striking targets at up to 120 kilometres. The procurement proposal, valued at approximately ₹2,500 crore, marks a significant step in expanding India’s indigenous rocket artillery capability. Officials confirm that the first test firing of the Mk-III is expected shortly, indicating that the system is nearing a key developmental milestone.

Pinaka Mk-III: The New Long-Range Upgrade

The Mk-III rocket represents the latest advancement in DRDO’s Pinaka programme, incorporating enhanced propulsion and guidance systems. While the existing Pinaka Mk-I has a range of 38–40 km and the guided Mk-II reaches about 75 km, the Mk-III’s extended 120-km reach dramatically improves the Army’s deep-strike and counter-artillery capabilities along sensitive operational sectors.

Defence sources note that development is in an advanced stage, with the upcoming test firing expected to validate performance ahead of limited-series production.

Current Status of Pinaka in the Indian Army

The Indian Army currently fields six Pinaka regiments, deploying over 108 launchers of the Mk-I and guided Mk-II variants across key operational sectors. These systems form the backbone of India’s indigenous rocket artillery fleet and are supported by launcher vehicles, command posts and automated fire-control units supplied by major domestic defence manufacturers.

To strengthen long-range firepower, the Army has placed orders for four additional Pinaka Mk-II regiments, which will raise the total to ten regiments once inducted over the next few years. Looking ahead, the Army has outlined a long-term plan to expand the fleet to 22 Pinaka regiments, ensuring a complete transition to indigenous rocket systems and phasing out older platforms such as the BM-21 Grad.

Strategic Impact

Once inducted, the Pinaka Mk-III will offer the Army a potent, long-range, precision-capable strike system that fills the gap between conventional rocket artillery and ballistic missiles. Its 120-km range allows engagement of critical enemy infrastructure, logistics nodes, and artillery positions from safer standoff distances.

Defence officials describe the upcoming tests and DAC’s decision as “critical milestones” that will shape induction timelines over the next several years.