BALASORE (ODISHA): India on Tuesday successfully flight-tested Guided Pinaka Rocket from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur off Odisha coast.
The rocket was fired at 12.45 pm from the launch complex-3 of the ITR at Chandipur in Balasore district.
According to sources, the range of the rocket has now been increased from 40 km to 70 km with an improved accuracy from 500 m to 50 m.
Pinaka rocket Mark-II, equipped with navigation and guidance technology and a control kit — has been transformed to a Guided Pinaka. The conversion has facilitated enhancement of the range and improved the accuracy of Pinaka.
“Today’s flight-test has met all the mission objectives. The radars, electro-optical and telemetry systems at ITR Chandipur tracked and monitored the vehicle all through the flight path,” a Defence Research and Development Organisa-tion (DRDO) release said.
The Guided Pinaka is developed jointly by Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE), Pune; Research Centre Imarat (RCI) and Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad.
Dr G. Satheesh Reddy, security advisor to defence minister said the success of the Guided Pinaka has reinforced the technological strength of the country in converting unguided systems into weapons of high precision. Dr S. Christopher, chairman DRDO, said it was a shining example of the synergy between Armed Forces and DRDO.
