DRDO Tests 120-KM Range Pinaka Guided Rocket
The rocket was tested for its maximum range of 120 km and successfully demonstrated all planned in-flight manoeuvres: Defence ministry
NEW DELHI: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Monday successfully conducted the first test of the extended-range Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR–120), with a strike range of 120 km, at the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur.
According to the defence ministry, the rocket was tested for its maximum range of 120 km and successfully demonstrated all planned in-flight manoeuvres. “The LRGR impacted the target with textbook precision,” the ministry said. The existing Pinaka rocket system currently has a range of about 80 km.
The test coincided with the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by defence minister Rajnath Singh, according Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the procurement of Long-Range Guided Rocket Ammunition for the Pinaka Multiple Launch Rocket System (MRLS) for the Indian Army.
“All deployed range instruments tracked the flight throughout its trajectory,” the defence ministry said, adding that the rocket was designed by the Armament Research and Development Establishment in collaboration with the High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, with support from the Defence Research and Development Laboratory and Research Centre Imarat.
The flight trial was coordinated by the Integrated Test Range and the Proof and Experimental Establishment. The LRGR–120 was launched from an in-service Pinaka launcher, demonstrating the system’s versatility and its capability to fire different-range variants from the same launcher.
Congratulating DRDO on the achievement, defence minister Rajnath Singh said the successful development of long-range guided rockets would significantly enhance the capabilities of the Armed Forces, describing it as a game-changer.