SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
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In a strategic pivot aimed at optimizing costs while enhancing capabilities, the Indian Army is considering deferring the purchase of high-cost tactical missiles in favor of the domestically developed Guided Pinaka rocket system. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has recently been authorized to expand the Pinaka family with two new variants, one with a range of 120 kilometers and another extending to 300 kilometers, both incorporating advanced guidance systems.
The 300km variant of the Guided Pinaka, which will utilize a 300mm diameter, has particularly caught the Army’s attention. Its larger size not only allows for an increased payload but also ensures compatibility with existing launch platforms, including those used in high-altitude areas. This development comes as the Army seeks versatile, yet cost-effective solutions for both conventional and, potentially, tactical nuclear strikes, given its strategic positioning along contentious borders.
The existing Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL) system, known for its effectiveness in conventional warfare, is already in service with the Indian Army. Its success during the Kargil War demonstrated its utility, and subsequent upgrades have focused on increasing range and precision. The new 300km Guided Pinaka variant promises not only extended reach but also the precision needed for strategic operations, potentially filling a similar role to that of the short-range tactical missile Pralay, which has seen limited production.
Pralay, designed as a quasi-ballistic missile with the capability to carry conventional or nuclear warheads, offers a range between 150km and 500km. However, its production has been scaled back, primarily due to cost considerations and the strategic need for a more versatile and affordable option for both conventional and nuclear roles. The Guided Pinaka’s development into a 300km range version could address this gap, providing a cost-effective alternative with similar strategic reach but with the added advantage of being deployable from the Army’s existing launch trucks.
Moreover, the decision to lean towards the Pinaka aligns with India’s broader ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-reliant India) initiative in defense manufacturing. By focusing on indigenous systems, India aims to reduce its dependency on foreign imports, bolster its defense industry, and ensure technological sovereignty. The development and eventual deployment of these advanced Pinaka variants are expected to contribute significantly to this vision, offering both economic and strategic advantages.
The Army’s excitement about the 300km variant also stems from its potential to act as a “missile” for deep strikes, capable of targeting enemy infrastructure, command centers, and troop concentrations from a safe distance. This could alter tactical doctrines, providing the Indian forces with enhanced operational flexibility and deterrence capability against adversaries.
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