SOURCE: IDRW.ORG
In a significant stride toward bolstering India’s artillery capabilities, Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Defence have joined forces with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to develop the next-generation Pinaka Mk-III multi-barrel rocket launcher (MBRL) system. According to industry sources, the Indian Army is poised to receive the advanced system soon, with user trials scheduled to commence by the end of 2025. This collaboration, potentially valued at over ?25,000 crore, underscores India’s commitment to indigenous defence innovation under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
The Pinaka Mk-III, an evolution of the battle-proven Pinaka MBRL system, is designed to deliver enhanced range, precision, and firepower, positioning it as a cornerstone of the Indian Army’s artillery modernization. Developed by DRDO’s Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) in Pune, the Mk-III boasts a range of 120 km, nearly doubling the 60–75 km reach of the Pinaka Mk-II. Its 300 mm caliber, compared to the 214 mm of earlier variants, accommodates advanced propellants and guidance systems, enabling precise strikes against high-value targets like command posts, logistics hubs, and air defence systems.
The system retains Pinaka’s hallmark rapid-fire capability, launching 12 rockets in under 44 seconds from a single launcher, with each regiment of 18 launchers capable of saturating a 1,000 x 800-meter area. Upgraded launchers feature enhanced automation and compatibility with diverse warheads, including high-explosive, incendiary, and anti-tank submunitions. The Mk-III’s precision-guided rockets, equipped with GPS and inertial navigation systems, achieve a Circular Error Probable (CEP) of under 10 meters, making it a cost-effective alternative to tactical ballistic missiles.
DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V. Kamat announced in June 2025 that the Pinaka Mk-III is in the final stages of development, with user trials slated for late 2025. The system’s first test, incorporating a 300 mm rocket, is scheduled for October 2025, following developmental trials that began in 2024. The Mk-III’s advanced features, including throttleable propulsion for trajectory correction and maneuverability to evade enemy air defences, reflect DRDO’s focus on bridging the gap between conventional artillery and long-range missile systems.
The Indian Army’s ambitious artillery modernization plan envisions 22 Pinaka regiments by 2030, with the Mk-III replacing older systems like the Russian Grad and Smerch MBRLs. DRDO is also developing a Pinaka Mk-IV with a 300 km range, slated for induction by 2030, further enhancing deep-strike capabilities. The integration of Pinaka systems with the Artillery Command & Control System (ACCS) and radars like Firefinder and Swathi ensures real-time targeting and coordination with assets like the K9 Vajra howitzer.
The Pinaka Mk-III’s development aligns with India’s strategic imperatives, particularly along contested borders with China and Pakistan. Its extended range and precision enable the Army to neutralize threats deep within enemy territory, enhancing operational flexibility in high-altitude and complex terrains. The system’s export success, with Armenia as a buyer and interest from France, highlights India’s growing credibility as a defence exporter. Domestic production capacity, now exceeding 5,000 Pinaka rockets annually, ensures self-reliance in sustained operations.
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