On 14 November 2024, DRDO announced the successful completion of the guided Pinaka multi-barrel rocket (MBRL) system’s flight tests under Provisional Staff Qualitative Requirements (PSQR) validation trials, clearing the way for its induction.
This increases the range of Pinaka to more than 75 km.
The flight tests were conducted in three phases at various field firing ranges.
During these trials, the rockets were extensively tested to evaluate PSQR parameters like range, accuracy, stability and fire rate against multiple targets in salvo mode.
Twelve rockets from each production agency have been test fired from two serving Pinaka launchers upgraded by the launcher production agencies.
The Indian Army has four Pinaka regiments in service and six more on order.
The Pinaka Mk1 has a range of 38 kilometres and several extended range variants are being developed. It can fire a variety of ammunition.
Eventually, the plan is to extend its range to 120 kilometres and then to 300 kilometres.
