By signing a Licensing Agreement for Transfer of Technology (LAToT) with NIBE Limited, a private company based in Pune, the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has made a major advancement in strengthening India’s domestic defense manufacturing capabilities for the Pinaka Multi Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL) and its related Battery Command Post (BCP).
The Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE) of DRDO formalized this arrangement, which aims to fortify the nation’s industrial foundation for the creation and production of cutting-edge defense equipment.
DRDO created the Pinaka MBRL, a cutting-edge indirect fire weapon system, in-house for the Indian Army. It is designed to shoot 12 rockets from a stationary, angled posture in order to quickly and precisely neutralize area targets. The system is very successful against adversary threats that are essential and time-sensitive because of its architecture, which guarantees quick deployment and outstanding precision.
The launcher is reliable in severe operational scenarios since it is sturdy and ruggedized, able to survive cross-country travel and a variety of climatic conditions. The Mark-I Enhanced version of the Pinaka system can reach targets up to 45 kilometers away, while the Mark-II Extended Range model can reach targets up to 90 kilometers away. With a Trajectory Correction System that greatly increases accuracy, the Guided Pinaka—which underwent successful testing in late 2024—is a powerful tool in contemporary warfare.
In India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) effort, which prioritizes domestic defense manufacturing and seeks to lessen reliance on imports, this technology transfer represents a turning point. A more resilient and diversified defense manufacturing ecosystem is being promoted by DRDO through the participation of private companies like NIBE Limited, which joins other private companies like Solar Industries in the Pinaka program. In order to more quickly satisfy the operational demands of the Indian armed forces, the partnership is anticipated to boost economic growth, generate new job opportunities, and improve production efficiency.
Speaking at the CII Annual Business Summit 2025, DRDO Chairman Samir V. Kamat emphasized the significance of boosting R&D spending to ensure India’s technological superiority in defense. He pointed out that although R&D presently accounts for 5% of India’s defense budget, this percentage is predicted to increase to 10% over the next five years. Kamat emphasized that in order for India to be competitive, it must invest in state-of-the-art equipment since future conflicts cannot be waged with outdated technology.
He praised the Indian industry for its contributions to the nation’s defense and economic development and commended the military on their successful operations. Kamat also emphasized the larger goal of making India a preeminent R&D nation, which will position India as a developed nation by 2047 by bolstering the defense ecosystem and increasing defense exports.
An important strategic milestone, the agreement with NIBE Limited highlights India’s increasing capacity to independently design, develop, and deploy cutting-edge weapons. In an increasingly complicated global security context, it symbolizes India’s determination to become a major supplier of dependable and reasonably priced military systems and represents a broader shift toward greater private sector involvement in defense manufacture.
