Why in the News?

The French Army is contemplating the acquisition of India’s Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher system. During bilateral talks, Brigadier General Stephane Richou commended India’s rise as a leading weapons manufacturer. This interest reflects the deepening defense collaboration between France and India, which now spans joint production, military exercises, and more than just commercial ties.

About Pinaka

• It is a Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL).
• It is designed by the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), a laboratory of the DRDO.
• It was first used during the Kargil War, where it successfully neutralised Pakistan Army positions on the mountain tops.
• It delivers lethal and responsive fire against a variety of area targets, such as exposed enemy troops, armoured and soft-skin vehicles, communication centres, air terminal complexes, and fuel and ammunition dumps.
• Features:
  • It consists of a multi-tube launcher vehicle, a replenishment-cum-loader vehicle, a replenishment vehicle, and a command post vehicle.
  • The rocket launcher has two pods containing six rockets each and can neutralise an area of 700 × 500 square meters within 48 seconds.
  • The launcher system is supported on four hydraulically actuated outriggers at the time of firing.
  • It has a range upto 75 kilometers.
  • The system is mounted on a Tatra truck for mobility.