Defence Minister Launches First Export Batch of Pinaka Rockets from Nagpur
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh flagged off the inaugural export batch of guided Pinaka rockets on Sunday. The event took place at the Nagpur facility of Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited (SDAL), which manufactured these advanced rockets.
Precision and Range of Guided Pinaka Rockets
The guided version of the Pinaka rocket system ensures accurate hits on targets. Sources confirm it covers an impressive range exceeding 70 kilometers. This enhanced precision makes it a formidable weapon for modern warfare.
Meanwhile, the process to finalize tenders for supplying the same guided version to the Indian armed forces is currently underway. The Indian Army presently procures other variants of the Pinaka system, indicating a phased upgrade approach.
Inauguration of Ammunition Facility and Emphasis on Exports
During his visit, Rajnath Singh also inaugurated SDAL's new facility dedicated to manufacturing medium calibre ammunition. He strongly emphasized the need to increase India's defence exports, highlighting this sector's strategic importance.
The Defence Minister specifically confirmed the successful deployment of Nagastra, a drone-mounted loitering munition system developed by SDAL in Nagpur. This system saw action during Operation Sindoor, where it delivered precise strikes on terror targets.
Minister's Remarks on Nagastra and Future Developments
"The Nagastra made precise hits on the terror targets," stated Rajnath Singh. He added, "I heard that newer versions of the weapons are being made. Who knows we may need to fire the Nagastra again. Our enemy has a rather unpredictable nature."
These comments underscore the ongoing evolution of indigenous defence technology and the readiness to counter emerging threats.
SDAL's Indigenous Innovations and Capabilities
SDAL Chairman Satyanarayan Nuwal provided insights into the company's自主研发 efforts. He revealed that SDAL designed and initiated production of the Nagastra system entirely independently before offering it to the armed forces.
Nuwal also detailed other significant developments:
- Bhargavastra Anti-Drone System: This system can fire a salvo of 60 mini missiles to neutralize drone swarms. Nuwal noted that other global systems typically lack the capacity to fire more than four missiles simultaneously.
- Universal Air Bombs: Unlike conventional air bombs compatible only with either NATO-designed or Russian/Eastern bloc aircraft, SDAL's universal bombs work with both types, offering greater flexibility.
Substantial Investment and Strategic Goals
Nuwal disclosed that SDAL invested over Rs 2,180 crore over more than a decade to build infrastructure for its defence business. This substantial investment reflects long-term commitment to the sector.
Last year, the company secured defence orders worth Rs 256 crore. However, its expenditure on salaries alone reached Rs 190 crore, indicating significant operational costs.
Nuwal clarified that profitability was not the primary goal for entering the defence sector. Instead, the focus remains on contributing to national security and technological self-reliance through innovative defence solutions.
