The Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher weapons system. | Photo credit: ANI
The Ministry of Defense of the Union on Thursday (February 6, 2025) signed contracts worth ₹ 10,147 million rupees for a variety of ammunition for the launching systems of multiple rockets (MRL) of the army. Ammunition also improves the range of Pinaka systems.
The contracts were signed with Economic Explosives Limited (EEL) and Munations India Limited (Mil) for the acquisition of area denial (ADM) Type-1 and preferred rockets (HEPF) -MK-1 (HAPF) (HAPF) ( Improved) respectively for Pinaka MLRS at a total cost of ₹ 10,147 million rupees, said a statement from the Ministry.
In addition, an update contract in the Shakti software has also been signed with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL).
ADM TYPE-1 ammunition has a specialized eye to deliver a number of submunitions on a larger area aimed at forces, vehicles and mechanized personnel, thus denying specific areas to the enemy, according to the statement. Hepf-MK-1 rockets are the advanced version of the HEPF rockets in service, which have improved the range to reach an enemy territory with precision and lethality, he said. “These advanced adm ammunition (DPICM) and HEPF will play a crucial role in reinforcement of the Fire Power of the Indian Army by allowing precise and long -range attacks.”
The Improved Pinaka will be the pillar of the artillery of rockets of the army. Last November, the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) announced the successful completion of the 75 km Pinaka guided rocket flight tests that are paving the way for their induction, doubling the original range. The work is activated to improve the range of 120 km and more at 300 km.
The totally automated Pinaka Mlrs battery can deliver a 72 rocket save on the target of up to 75 km in 44 seconds. The army has four regiments of Pinaka in service and six more are in order.
Beyond improving national defense capabilities, these projects have an immense potential for direct and indirect employment generation by encouraging the Indian Mipyme sector through the manufacture of components, the ministry added.
Published – February 7, 2025 02:30 am isth
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