In a significant move to bolster its artillery firepower, the Indian Army has entrusted defence and engineering giant Larsen & Toubro (L&T) with a crucial contract for the upgrade of its indigenous Pinaka multi-rocket launcher systems.
Enhancing a Battle-Proven System
The supply order was issued by the Army's Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME). It focuses on the overhaul, upgrade, and obsolescence management of Pinaka systems currently in service. This involves modernising critical electronic sub-systems and replacing hardware components that have reached the end of their operational life cycle.
L&T highlighted the importance of this partnership, stating it represents a significant step for product lifecycle support of made-in-India, in-service artillery systems. The collaboration with the Corps of EME aims to enhance the long-term operational availability and modernisation of the Pinaka regiments deployed by the Army.
Pinaka: The Backbone of India's Deep-Strike Arsenal
Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Pinaka is India's premier indigenous multi-barrel rocket launcher. It first proved its mettle during the 1999 Kargil War, where its rapid rocket barrages were highly effective in neutralising enemy positions on mountain tops.
The system's capabilities have seen a massive leap since its early versions, which had a range of around 40 km. Newer variants like the Guided Pinaka and the Long-Range Guided Rocket (LRGR) can now strike targets at distances of up to 120 km, making them a critical asset for deep-strike operations.
The Indian Army's current order of battle includes approximately six Pinaka rocket launcher regiments. There are ambitious plans to expand this force to 10 regiments by mid-2026, with a long-term vision of raising a total of 22 regiments. These new units will be equipped with the latest, longer-range guided versions, phasing out older systems.
Execution Plan and Strategic Impact
The upgrade project will be executed in a phased manner. In the initial pilot phase, L&T will jointly undertake the overhaul of a Pinaka Launcher and a Battery Command Post in collaboration with the 510 Army Base Workshops. Following the successful completion of this pilot, the remaining systems will be overhauled by the 510 ABW, with L&T providing ongoing technical support, critical spares, and quality oversight.
A single Pinaka regiment is a formidable force, typically consisting of 18 launchers organised into three batteries. Each battery has six launcher vehicles, and each launcher can fire a salvo of 12 rockets. These regiments, primarily deployed along India's borders with China and Pakistan, form a cornerstone of the nation's deep-strike artillery capabilities.
This contract underscores the growing role of the private sector in defence sustenance and marks a pivotal shift towards indigenous maintenance and modernisation of frontline weapon systems, ensuring they remain battle-ready for years to come.
