Indian Army to Operationalise Two New Pinaka Regiments as DRDO Completes Final Guided Mk-II Trials

India’s rocket artillery capability is undergoing a major upgrade, with the Indian Army preparing to operationalise two additional Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL) regiments in the coming months. The development coincides with a major milestone achieved by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) — the successful completion of final Guided Pinaka Mk-II weapon system trials, marking a decisive step toward operational deployment.

Pinaka Regiments Set to Expand

Currently, the Indian Army operates six Pinaka regiments, each made up of three batteries comprising six launchers each — totaling 18 launchers per regiment. These regiments have been strategically deployed along both the western front with Pakistan and the northern border with China, offering saturation fire support and area denial capabilities in high-altitude and rapid-response scenarios.

According to official and open-source reports, two new regiments are nearing full operational readiness and are expected to be inducted by the end of 2024. This expansion is part of a broader plan to field ten Pinaka regiments by 2026, with an additional two regiments scheduled to receive equipment by late 2025.

DRDO Completes Final Trials of Guided Pinaka Mk-II

In a key breakthrough, on 14 November 2024, DRDO announced the successful completion of the final flight tests of the Guided Pinaka Mk-II system. These trials were carried out as part of the Provisional Staff Qualitative Requirements (PSQR) validation process and are critical for large-scale induction into the Indian Army.

The tests were conducted in three phases at designated field firing ranges and evaluated the system against all PSQR parameters:

• Range: Extended to over 75 km for Mk-II

• Accuracy & Consistency: High-precision guided rockets demonstrated consistent circular error probable (CEP)

• Salvo Mode Engagement: The system effectively engaged multiple targets in rapid succession with salvo fire

A total of 12 rockets each from two production agencies — Economic Explosives Ltd. (EEL) and Munitions India Limited (MIL) — were fired from two upgraded launchers. These launchers were modernized by Tata Advanced Systems Ltd. (TASL) and Larsen & Toubro (L&T), reflecting the private sector’s growing role in India’s defense manufacturing ecosystem.

This final validation clears the path for full-scale induction of the Guided Pinaka Mk-II, and it is likely that the two upcoming regiments will be equipped with this advanced version.

Pinaka Variants: Evolution to Precision Strike

The Pinaka system, developed indigenously by DRDO, has undergone steady modernization:

• Pinaka Mk-I: Range of ~40 km

• Pinaka Mk-II (Guided): Extended to ~75 km with improved accuracy using GPS/INS navigation; now ready for induction

• Pinaka Mk-III: Under development with a range of up to 120 km

• Pinaka Mk-IV: Future system aiming for 250–300 km range

• Air-Launched Pinaka: In conceptual phase for deployment from fighter aircraft

With each variant, India moves closer to a self-sufficient, layered, and modular rocket artillery capability capable of precision long-range strikes.

Strategic Impact

The operationalisation of new Pinaka regiments armed with guided rockets significantly elevates India’s strike capability. Unlike conventional rocket artillery, the guided Mk-II allows for pinpoint accuracy, reduced collateral damage, and effectiveness against high-value and fortified targets. The rapid engagement of multiple targets also enhances survivability in high-threat environments.

This expansion aligns seamlessly with the Indian military’s emphasis on precision, mobility, and indigenous technology, and reflects the broader goal of transforming artillery forces into networked, high-precision battlefield assets.

With the Indian Army readying two new regiments and DRDO completing the final validation of the Guided Pinaka Mk-II, India’s artillery modernization program is entering a new phase. The seamless collaboration between public and private sector defense firms like EEL, MIL, TASL, and L&T underlines the strength of the Make in India movement. As the Indian Army prepares to induct these new regiments, it won’t just be expanding its rocket force — it will be fielding a smarter, longer-reaching, and more lethal weapon system that is entirely made in India.