With the acquisition of more Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher (MBRL) battalions, the Indian Army is dramatically increasing its artillery capacity and demonstrating a strategic change toward increased independence and modernization of its long-range strike capabilities.
Six Pinaka regiments are currently in service along the western border with Pakistan and the northern border with China, offering a strong deterrence and quick reaction mechanism in these delicate areas.
Three batteries make up each regiment, and each battery may field six Pinaka launchers, for a total of 18 launchers per regiment. In just 44 seconds, a single battery can fire a deadly salvo of 72 rockets in this configuration, eliminating enemy positions over a 1,000-by-800-meter area.
Training for the two more Pinaka regiments that will be added to the expansion plan in the upcoming months is already under way. By the end of 2025, the Army is also anticipated to receive equipment for two more regiments, which should be fully operational in the first half of 2026 if all goes as planned.
By the end of this year, there will be eight Pinaka regiments overall, and by 2026, there will likely be ten. Advanced elements that greatly increase operational efficiency and response times, like command posts, automated gun-aiming and positioning systems, and increased mobility, are being installed in the new regiments.
The Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) created the Pinaka MBRL system in-house, marking a significant advancement in India’s artillery capabilities. The Army’s deep strike capability along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China is further enhanced by the rockets’ basic range of up to 38 kilometers at sea level, which significantly expands in mountainous areas.
The efficiency of the system will be further enhanced by upgraded Pinaka ammunition that is now in development and boasts increased precision and expanded ranges of up to 75 kilometers.
The continuous expansion is a component of a larger plan to update the Army’s artillery arsenal and replace outdated, Russian-manufactured Grad BM-21 rocket launchers with domestically made Pinakas. The ultimate goal is to establish 22 Pinaka regiments, which would make it the backbone of the Army’s rocket artillery force.
The Pinaka will be crucial to bolstering India’s long-range attack capabilities and fortifying border security, along with other cutting-edge artillery weapons including Bofors cannons, Ultra Light Howitzer M777, and updated L-70 air defense guns.
At an anticipated cost of Rs 2,580 crore, contracts for these systems were signed in August 2020 with Larsen & Toubro (L&T), Bharat Earth Movers Ltd. (BEML), and Tata Power Company Limited (TPCL).
There are currently 114 launchers with automated gun-aiming and positioning systems, 45 command posts, and 330 support vehicles among the six active Pinaka regiments. When new units are ready, they conduct independent operations after completing first joint drills with existing regiments.
The continued security issues along the northern frontiers, especially in the wake of the Eastern Ladakh stalemate, are the direct cause of the deployment of more Pinaka regiments. The Indian Army will have a significant advantage in both offensive and defensive operations because to these incredibly mobile and potent rocket launchers, which are made to deliver accurate and timely firepower far into enemy territory.
The Pinaka’s efficacy is further increased and smooth coordination with other assets is ensured by its incorporation into the Army’s larger artillery network, which also includes cutting-edge radars and command-and-control systems.
The Indian Army’s dedication to modernizing its artillery force, improving border security, and attaining greater self-reliance in defense technology is demonstrated by the continuous growth of its Pinaka rocket regiments. With its quick firepower, long range, and accuracy, the Pinaka system is expected to form the mainstay of India’s long-range artillery capabilities for many years to come.