Successful First Flight Test of Guided Pinaka Weapon System
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully completed the first flight test of the Guided Pinaka Weapon System, as confirmed by the Ministry of Defence (MoD). These tests were part of the Provisional Staff Qualitative Requirements (PSQR) Validation Trials, which assessed various parameters of the missile system.
Details of the PSQR Validation Trials
The PSQR tests evaluated parameters such as ranging, accuracy, consistency, and the rate of fire for multiple target engagement in a salvo mode. A total of twelve rockets from two upgraded Pinaka launchers were tested. The precision strike variant of the Pinaka Multiple Launch Rocket System is entirely indigenous, designed and developed by the Armament Research and Development Establishment in collaboration with several research and production agencies.
Involvement of Key Organizations
The development involved the Research Centre Imarat, Defence Research and Development Laboratory, High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, and Proof & Experimental Establishment. Munitions India Limited and Economic Explosives Limited were responsible for ammunition production, while Tata Advanced Systems Limited and Larsen & Toubro handled the Pinaka launcher and Battery Command Post.
Recognition and Future Prospects
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised the DRDO and the Indian Army for the successful trials. Dr. Samir V Kamat, Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO, also congratulated the teams involved, noting that the rocket system has completed all necessary trials before its induction into the Indian Army.
International Interest
Earlier, Brigadier General Stephane Richou of the French Army expressed interest in evaluating the Indian Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher systems for their requirements, highlighting the strong relationship and potential for further cooperation between India and France.
Doubts Revealed
DRDO -: DRDO stands for Defence Research and Development Organisation. It is an agency of the Indian government responsible for developing technology for use by the military.
Guided Pinaka Weapon System -: The Guided Pinaka Weapon System is an advanced version of the Pinaka rocket system, which is used by the Indian Army. It is designed to be more accurate and can be guided to hit specific targets.
Ministry of Defence -: The Ministry of Defence is a part of the Indian government that is responsible for managing the country’s defense and armed forces.
Provisional Staff Qualitative Requirements (PSQR) -: PSQR are a set of standards and requirements that a weapon system must meet before it can be used by the military. It includes tests for things like accuracy and how fast it can fire.
Rajnath Singh -: Rajnath Singh is the Defence Minister of India. He is responsible for overseeing the country’s defense policies and military operations.
French Army -: The French Army is the land-based military force of France. They are interested in evaluating the Pinaka system to see if it meets their needs for defense.