France will acquiring Indian-made Pinaka multiple rocket launcher system
The French Army is evaluating the Indian-made Pinaka multiple rocket launcher (MBRL) system , Indian news agency Asian News International (ANI) reported on November 9, 2024.
It is said that the Pinaka MBRL will likely be integrated into French armaments to meet the tactical needs of the French Army in terms of mobility and rapid attack capabilities.
However, the number and target time for France's procurement of the Pinaka MBRL system were not disclosed.
Regarding the Pinaka MBRL, it is a versatile mobile artillery system designed to provide rapid and powerful fire support.
This system primarily serves in the role of destroying enemy positions such as infrastructure and personnel concentrations with impressive accuracy and range.
The Pinaka system was developed by India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
The initial Pinaka Mk-I variant had a range of up to 40 km and was equipped with multiple warheads. The system could deliver high explosive (HE) rockets effective against personnel and lightly fortified buildings.
The Pinaka Mk-I also supports anti-tank munitions to lay mines, create defensive perimeters and hinder enemy armored vehicles.
Additionally, the system can launch incendiary warheads designed to ignite fuel or other flammable targets.
Each Mk-I rocket carries about 100 kg of explosives, allowing firepower to be concentrated in a targeted area.
To meet the demand for a longer range, DRDO later developed the Pinaka Mk-II variant with a range of between 60 and 75 km.
The Pinaka Mk-II retained the various warheads used in the Mk-I, but added a guidance system.
By combining GPS guidance and Inertial Navigation System (INS), Pinaka Mk-II can deliver payloads with higher precision.
To further extend its range, DRDO is currently developing the Extended Range Guided Pinaka (ER-Pinaka) version, with a projected range of up to 90 km.
Another advantage of the Pinaka MBRL system is its ability to switch between different types of rockets. This offers great adaptability on the battlefield.
Mounted on a high-mobility 8X8 vehicle, the system can fire a full salvo of 12 rockets in 44 seconds and quickly relocate to avoid counterattack.