SOURCE: AFI
In a significant boost to India’s defense manufacturing sector, the French Army is evaluating the Made-in-India Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher system to meet its operational requirements. Speaking on the development, French Army Brigadier General Stephane Richou highlighted the growing cooperation between France and India in defense, commending India’s defense industry for its efficacy and high standards.
“We are sharing equipment. When I see the level of individual integration for the development of this equipment, the Indians and French are co-building submarines here in India. Scorpene class submarines are the most complicated systems that man has been able to build. We are doing that together,” Brigadier General Richou stated, emphasizing the deep technical collaboration between the two nations.
Brigadier General Richou further acknowledged India’s position as a “strategic partner,” underscoring the strong defense ties that go beyond mere transactions. He expressed that France is exploring India’s defense capabilities on par with the “highest countries providing equipment,” emphasizing India’s role as an increasingly significant player in global defense manufacturing.
The evaluation of the Pinaka system represents a deepening of these ties. “We are evaluating Pinaka because we need a system like that, and we are evaluating this among the other systems of the highest countries,” Richou remarked. His words reinforce France’s commitment to broadening its defense partnership with India, potentially paving the way for more collaborative projects and defense acquisitions.
Developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in partnership with domestic companies, the Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher has proven itself as a reliable and versatile weapon system. With capabilities to launch rockets at a range exceeding 40 kilometers, Pinaka has become a crucial component of the Indian Army’s artillery arsenal. The rocket system is also known for its ability to deliver rapid, concentrated firepower across a wide area, making it ideal for various battlefield scenarios.
France’s interest in Pinaka not only underscores the system’s capabilities but also highlights India’s growing reputation as a manufacturer of reliable and advanced defense systems. This move aligns with France’s broader goal of diversifying its defense imports while tapping into India’s maturing defense production ecosystem.
“This is much more than a business partnership; this is cooperation,” stated Brigadier General Richou, signaling that the ties between France and India in defense are intended for the long term and extend beyond simple equipment exchanges. The collaboration includes technology transfer, skill enhancement, and shared innovation, strengthening India’s role in global defense supply chains.
France’s evaluation of the Pinaka system is another positive step in India’s ongoing journey to become a major defense exporter. With successful tests and deployments, the Pinaka system has the potential to meet the needs of international militaries, positioning India as a supplier of strategic defense solutions.