DRDO successfully tests Pinaka long-range guided rocket at minimum range of 60 km

New Delhi: In a significant boost to the country's indigenous defence capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Wednesday successfully carried out a flight trial of the Pinaka long-range guided rocket. The test was conducted at the Integrated Test Range (ITR) located in Chandipur off the coast of Odisha.

According to an official release by the Ministry of Defence, the test validated the weapon system's precision performance under specific operational parameters.

"The rocket was tested for a user-defined minimum range of 60 kms. Demonstrating all in-flight manoeuvres as planned, the long-range guided rocket (LRGR) impacted on the target with textbook precision exactly following the predicted trajectory. All the deployed range instruments tracked the flight throughout its trajectory," the statement said.

Seamless integration with existing launchers

The Long-Range Guided Rocket (LRGR) was developed collaboratively by the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) and the High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL). Crucial engineering and technical insights were also provided by the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) and the Research Centre Imarat (RCI), while the ITR and Proof & Experimental Establishment (PXE) oversaw the trial coordinates.

Notably, the weapon was fired utilising an in-service Pinaka launcher. This successful integration highlights the flexibility of the current platform, confirming its capacity to deploy various Pinaka rocket models across different ranges without requiring launcher modifications.

A milestone for modern warfare

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh extended his appreciation to the DRDO, the Indian Army, and the private industry partners involved in the project. He termed the successful trial a crucial advancement in India's self-reliance regarding the design and creation of guided, high-range artillery.

The test was closely observed by Defence Secretary and DRDO chairman Rajesh Kumar Singh, who lauded the engineering and field teams for ensuring a flawless flight path.

This trial follows the successful maiden test of the Pinaka LRGR-120 in December last year, which proved the system's operational viability at a maximum distance of 120 km. Operated via the Pinaka Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS), these precision-strike, rapid-response rockets are designed to significantly elevate the Indian Army's tactical edge on the modern battlefield.

IANS