France is considering India’s Pinaka MBRL system for its defence requirements.

• India presented Pinaka to the French Army’s Chief of Staff earlier this year, sparking significant interest. 

India’s Pinaka Rocket System Interests French Army

• Evaluation Plans by the French Army: The French Army is conducting an in-depth assessment of the Pinaka system, alongside evaluations of three to four other options. 
  • A mission is set to visit India soon for a detailed examination of both the launcher and ammunition capabilities.
• Replacement for M270 LRU Systems: France aims to replace its older M270 Lance-Roquettes Unitaire (LRU) systems, of which six units were recently sent to Ukraine.
  • With 13 upgraded units remaining, the French Army is actively seeking a modern, reliable alternative, underlining the significance of the Pinaka evaluation.
• Armenia’s Purchase: Armenia became the first international buyer of the Pinaka system, underscoring India’s expanding defence export capabilities and the growing appeal of its domestically developed military systems.
• Indian Army’s Expanding Pinaka Regiments: The Indian Army has four Pinaka regiments in service and has ordered six additional units, reflecting its commitment to strengthening its artillery firepower with indigenous solutions.
• Range and Versatility of the Pinaka System: The Pinaka Mk1 currently offers a range of 38 km, with ongoing development of extended-range ammunition targeting ranges up to 300 km.
  • This adaptability enhances its appeal to potential international buyers, including France, seeking versatile, long-range systems.

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Other India-France Defence Collaborations

• France and India are in advanced negotiations for 26 Rafale-M fighter jets and three additional Scorpene-class submarines for the Indian Navy. 
• Discussions are also progressing on co-designing and co-developing a jet engine for India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft project. 

About Pinaka Missile System

• Development and Origins: Pinaka is a multi-barrel rocket launcher (MBRL) system developed by the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) of the Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in India.
• It is the result of the first public-private partnership in Defence systems, between DRDO and Tata Advanced Systems Ltd. (TASL) in India.
• Capabilities and Targeting: The Pinaka system is engineered for delivering rapid, lethal fire over a broad area, targeting exposed enemy personnel, armoured and unarmored vehicles, communication centers, air terminal sites, and supply depots.
  • The Pinaka rocket system boasts a “shoot and scoot” capability that enables it to escape counter-battery fire.
  • It can neutralise a 700 x 500 square metre area within 48 seconds, making it a highly effective solution for high-intensity engagements.
  • It has capability of programming all 12 Rockets launched  in max. 20 seconds.
• System Components: The system includes several components
  • Multi-Tube Launcher Vehicle: Equipped with two pods that hold six rockets each, providing a rapid-firing capability.
  • Replenishment and Loader Vehicles: These vehicles carry additional rockets and reload the launcher, ensuring sustained firepower.
  • Command Post Vehicle: Coordinates operations and controls the launcher remotely. During firing, the launcher system stabilises on four hydraulically actuated outriggers.
  • It has an onboard Inertial Navigation System for Accurate and Speedy Laying.
• Range: The Pinaka Mk1, capable of a 38 km range, can deploy a variety of ammunition types, and work is underway to extend its range. 
  • Trials for guided, extended-range Pinaka rockets are nearing completion, aiming to push the range to over 75 km, with future plans to extend it to 120 km and eventually 300 km.
• Mobility: The system is mounted on a Tatra truck, granting it excellent mobility across diverse terrains and facilitating rapid deployment.
• Operational Significance: As a vital component of India’s artillery capabilities, the Pinaka MBRL enhances the Army’s ability to deliver quick, large-scale firepower in both offensive and defensive roles.