SOURCE: AFI
Recent reports confirm that the French Army is evaluating India’s Pinaka rocket system, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), as a potential replacement for its existing LRU M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS). The LRU, a modernized version of the U.S.-origin M270, has served the French Army since its production began in the 1980s and was upgraded in the early 2010s. Although the LRU has been a reliable system for long-range artillery strikes, its capabilities are now falling short of the French Army’s evolving operational needs.
The LRU (Lance-Roquettes Unitaire) is a guided rocket launcher system mounted on a tracked chassis, offering versatile mobility across different terrains. This design enables it to be deployed in a range of environments, making it ideal for the French Army’s need for flexible firepower. Capable of launching guided rockets to a maximum range of 70 kilometers, the LRU has been a valuable asset for providing precise and swift artillery strikes on strategic targets while keeping a safe distance.
However, as modern military requirements shift toward extended-range capabilities, the LRU’s range limitation has become apparent. The French Army now seeks a next-generation system with the ability to engage targets up to 500 kilometers, providing a significant reach beyond that of the LRU. This is where India’s Pinaka system comes into consideration as the French military explores global options for long-range artillery solutions.
The DRDO-developed Pinaka is a highly regarded multiple rocket launcher system with a maximum range of approximately 75 kilometers in its current configuration, extending up to 90 kilometers in its latest extended-range variants. Designed for fast, responsive, and accurate strikes, the Pinaka system has gained recognition for its modularity and operational reliability. The Indian Army currently deploys it with a range of advanced munitions, including high-explosive, incendiary, and fragmentation warheads.
Pinaka’s modularity, rapid reload capability, and proven combat effectiveness have captured the interest of international defence agencies, including the French Army. While Pinaka does not meet the extended 500-kilometre range requirement, its effectiveness as a reliable, medium-range artillery solution has made it a viable alternative for the immediate replacement of the LRU system. Additionally, DRDO’s ability to customize and upgrade systems based on client needs might present an opportunity to align the Pinaka closer to the French Army’s requirements.
Given the French Army’s desire for extended-range capability, India’s Pralay tactical missile could serve as a complementary option. The Pralay missile, developed by DRDO, has a range between 150 and 500 kilometers, enabling it to deliver precision strikes on distant targets. Designed as a short-range, surface-to-surface tactical missile, Pralay combines high accuracy with versatility and can carry a range of warheads, including high-explosive and fragmentation payloads.
With its longer range and precision targeting, Pralay could fulfill the gap that the Pinaka system alone cannot cover. While Pralay is a missile and not a multi-rocket launcher system, its incorporation into the French artillery suite could provide the desired long-range capabilities, allowing it to target strategic locations well beyond the Pinaka’s reach.