New Delhi: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is equipping India with a formidable new weapon: the Pinaka-MK3, which is currently under development. This is the third iteration of India’s indigenous air defence system, which is set to greatly enhance the Indian Army’s ability to neutralise aerial threats and counter enemy forces positioned on remote highlands.
The Pinaka-MK3 rocket launcher is set to drastically boost India’s strike capabilities, enabling the Army to deliver powerful blows over a much greater range. The advanced version follows in the footsteps of the original Pinaka system, which played a crucial role during the Kargil War, devastating enemy positions and thwarting Pakistan’s plans on the peaks. With this new upgrade, the Indian Army is set to become even more formidable on the battlefield.
Here are the features of the Pinaka-MK3’s two variants:
- DRDO is working on two variants of the Pinaka-MK3 rocket launcher.
- The first variant is expected to have a range of 120 kilometres or even more.
- The range of the subsequent variants of this long-range guided rocket system Pinaka-MK3 will be 300 kilometers.
- The speed of the Pinaka-MK3 rocket launcher is 5757.70 kilometres per hour.
- The Pinaka rocket system can operate in any weather, making it an all-weather equipment.
- The Pinaka-MK3 has the capability to attack distant enemies and air attacks.
- It will be designed to provide substantial firepower during combat so that the number of soldiers sacrificed can be minimised
Pinaka rocket launcher system
India already has several versions of the Pinaka rocket launcher system. The range of the Pinaka Mk-1 is 48 kilometers, the Pinaka Mk-I Enhanced has a range of 60 kilometres and the Pinaka Mk-II has a range of 90 kilometers.
The first Pinaka regiment was established in February 2000. The Indian Army typically deploys a full Pinaka battery, which includes six launcher vehicles. Each vehicle carries 12 rockets, meaning a single battery has a total of 72 rockets. A battery with six launchers can devastate an area of 1,000 by 800 metres.
India has deployed the Pinaka missile system along the border with China. Since May 2020, there has been tension with China along the LAC (Line of Actual Control). The system has also been deployed along the border with Pakistan.