Tata Advanced Systems Secures Indian Army Order for Overhaul and Upgrade of First-generation Pinaka MLRS

New Delhi: Tata Advanced Systems Ltd. (TAS) has received a supply order from the Indian Army to support the 510 Advance Base Workshop (510 ABW) in the overhaul-cum-upgradation of in-service, first-generation Pinaka Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) and associated Battery Command Posts (BCPs).

Under the order, TAS will work alongside the Army’s Corps of EME facility, 510 Advance Base Workshop, starting with a pilot phase covering selected launchers and command posts. After successful completion, the remaining first-generation Pinaka systems are expected to be taken up for refurbishment by 510 ABW, with Tata Advanced Systems continuing to supply spares and technical support.

First-generation Pinaka: Induction and Key Specifications

The first-generation Pinaka MLRS was inducted into the Indian Army in the early 2000s, with initial regiments becoming operational around 2000, marking India’s entry into an indigenous, multi-barrel rocket artillery capability.

Key specifications of the first-generation Pinaka system include:

• Calibre: 214 mm

• Launcher configuration: 12 rockets per launcher

• Range: up to 37–40 km (with standard Mk-I rockets)

• Salvo capability: full salvo fired in approximately 44 seconds

• Warhead options: high explosive, fragmentation and other mission-specific payloads, with individual rocket warhead weights of around 100 kg

• Mobility: mounted on a high-mobility 8×8 truck chassis (Tatra-based), enabling shoot-and-scoot operations

• Role: all-weather, indirect-fire system designed to deliver high-volume firepower against area and critical targets

Indigenous Development And Sustainment Focus

The Pinaka MLRS was designed and developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in partnership with Tata Advanced Systems, in one of India’s earliest large-scale public–private defence collaborations. The programme has achieved nearly 80% indigenous content, and the system remains a key component of the Army’s rocket artillery regiments despite the induction of newer Pinaka variants.

With this latest order, Tata Advanced Systems’ role expands beyond manufacturing into long-term maintenance, repair and upgrade support, aimed at extending the service life and maintaining the combat readiness of first-generation Pinaka launchers and command posts still in active service with the Indian Army.