- The Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR) is the precision-guided, extended-range variant of India's indigenous Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL) system.
Developed by- Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
- Design Leads - Developed jointly by the Pune-based Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) and the High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL).
- Technological Support - Assisted by Hyderabad's Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) and Research Centre Imarat (RCI).
Key Technical Capabilities & Evolution
A. Operational Performance Parameters -
- Maximum Strike Range: 120 kilometers
- Minimum Strike Range Validation : the DRDO successfully executed user-defined minimum range testing at 60 km. This proved the rocket can follow a precise, controlled trajectory even during shorter operational arcs.
- Salvo Fire Capacity : A single standard Pinaka MBRL launcher can discharge a heavy salvo of 12 high-explosive rockets in just 44 seconds.
- The "Shoot and Scoot" Capability : Mounted on high-mobility Tatra truck frames, a battery can quickly fire and displace positions to avoid enemy counter-battery radar or back-blast signature targeting.
Strategic and Commercial Significance -
- Platform Versatility: The LRGR is fully compatible with existing in-service Pinaka launchers. This eliminates the need for expensive structural upgrades to older launcher fleets while providing multi-range flexibility on the battlefield.
- Enhancing Precision Strike Power: Older variants functioned purely for "area suppression" (neutralizing 1 km x 1 km grid). The LRGR upgrades this via advanced trajectory correction control networks into a precision weapon system, significantly dropping its Circular Error Probable (CEP).
- Aatmanirbhar Bharat & Defence Exports: The Pinaka platform has matured into a premier defense export asset. In January 2026, the Indian Ministry of Defence flagged off the first batches of Guided Pinaka variants for export to the Armenian Ground Forces.
- Procurement Allocations: The Indian Army has submitted proposals to the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) to induct these 120-km range weapon projects under a budget of ₹2,500 crore.
♦ This comes at a time when the Army is expected to lean more heavily on indigenous precision-guided artillery, drawing lessons from Operation Sindoor. It's part of a broader push to boost India's long-range artillery firepower while cutting dependence on foreign imports.
