SOURCE: AFI
On February 13, 2025, a delegation from the French Army visited the School of Artillery in Devlali, Maharashtra, where they were briefed on the design features and operational capabilities of India’s indigenous Pinaka Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS). The visit, which included detailed discussions and a live firing demonstration, underscores the growing interest of the French military in India’s advanced artillery systems and highlights the deepening defense ties between the two nations.
The French delegation, comprising senior military officers and technical experts, was welcomed at the School of Artillery, a premier training institution for India’s artillery forces. During the visit, Indian Army officials and representatives from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) provided an in-depth briefing on the Pinaka MLRS. The presentation covered the system’s design features, operational capabilities, and its role in modern warfare.
Developed by the DRDO and produced by Indian companies such as Solar Industries, Larsen & Toubro, Tata Advanced Systems Limited, and Ordnance Factory Board, the Pinaka is a multi-barrel rocket launcher system designed to deliver rapid, concentrated firepower. The system is mounted on a high-mobility Tatra truck, enabling quick deployment and shoot-and-scoot tactics to evade counter-battery fire. The Pinaka can fire a salvo of 12 rockets in just 44 seconds, covering an area of approximately 1,000 by 800 meters, making it highly effective for neutralizing troop concentrations, infrastructure, and fortified positions.
The delegation was briefed on the system’s variants, including the Pinaka Mk1, with a range of 38 kilometers, and the extended-range Pinaka Mk2, capable of striking targets up to 75-90 kilometers. Indian officials also highlighted ongoing developments, such as guided rockets and future variants with ranges extending to 120 kilometers and potentially 300 kilometers, showcasing the system’s adaptability and scalability.
Following the briefing, the French delegation witnessed a live firing demonstration of the Pinaka MLRS. The demonstration showcased the system’s precision, rapid rate of fire, and operational reliability, key attributes that have made it a cornerstone of the Indian Army’s artillery arsenal. The live firing provided a practical illustration of the Pinaka’s capabilities, allowing the French officers to assess its performance under real-world conditions.
The demonstration included the launch of multiple rockets, highlighting the system’s ability to deliver a high volume of firepower in a short time frame. The accuracy of the guided Pinaka rockets, which incorporate advanced navigation and control systems, was also emphasized, demonstrating India’s progress in precision-guided munitions. The French delegation reportedly expressed appreciation for the system’s mobility, modularity, and effectiveness, which align with modern artillery requirements.
The visit comes amid France’s ongoing evaluation of the Pinaka MLRS as a potential replacement for its aging Lance-Roquettes Unitaire (LRU) systems, a French variant of the American M270 MLRS. The French Army currently operates 13 LRUs, which were upgraded in the early 2010s with the European Fire Control System (EFCS). However, with some units transferred to Ukraine in 2022 and the system nearing the end of its service life by 2027, France is seeking a next-generation artillery solution to meet its operational needs.
France has outlined plans to acquire 10 new MLRS systems by 2030 and an additional 13 by 2035, with a preference for a sovereign system but openness to off-the-shelf procurement from foreign suppliers. The Pinaka, with its proven performance, cost-effectiveness, and potential for customization, has emerged as a strong contender alongside other systems, such as the American M142 HIMARS and the Israeli PULS.
The French Army’s interest in the Pinaka was first reported in November 2024, when Brigadier General Stephane Richou, a senior French Army officer, confirmed that the system was under evaluation. Earlier, in February 2024, French Army Chief of Staff General Pierre Schill witnessed a live firing demonstration of the Pinaka at the Pokhran firing range during a visit to India, further solidifying France’s interest. The Devlali visit builds on these earlier engagements, providing a more detailed assessment of the system’s capabilities.
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