• Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully completed the flight-tests of Guided Pinaka Weapon System as part of Provisional Staff Qualitative Requirements (PSQR) validation trials.

• During these tests, the PSQR parameters, that is, ranging, accuracy, consistency and rate of fire for multiple target engagement in a salvo mode have been assessed by extensive testing of rockets.

• The flight-tests have been conducted in three phases at different field firing ranges.

• As many as 12 rockets from each production agency from two in-service Pinaka launchers upgraded by the launcher production agencies have been tested.

• The precision strike variant for Pinaka Multiple Launch Rocket System is a totally indigenous weapon system designed and developed by Armament Research and Development Establishment in association with Research Centre Imarat, Defence Research and Development Laboratory, High Energy Materials Research Laboratory and Proof & Experimental Establishment with Munitions India Limited and Economic Explosives Limited as production agencies for ammunition and Tata Advanced Systems Limited and Larsen & Toubro for Pinaka launcher and Battery Command Post.

Variants of Pinaka:

Pinaka Mk-I:

• Range: 38 km.

• Capabilities: Offers a range of warhead options for different operational needs.

Pinaka Mk-II:

• Range: 60 km.

• Upgrades: Enhanced accuracy and destructive power for longer-range engagements.

Extended Range Pinaka:

• Range: Up to 75 km.

• Applications: Targets deeper into enemy territory with high precision.

(The author is a trainer for Civil Services aspirants.)