India upgrades Pinaka rocket launchers with L&T and Tata contract

Key facts

• The Army is undertaking an extensive upgrade of its Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launchers, with orders going to private sector defence giants Tata and Larsen & Toubro.
• The contract will involve the two companies working with Army Base Workshops in upgrading critical sub-systems, providing sustained technical support and replacing outdated components.
• The indigenous Pinaka has emerged as the army's primary rocket system, with work underway to significantly increase its range to excess of 150 km.
• The partnership of the two companies with the Corps of EME of the Indian Army seeks to enhance long-term operational availability and modernisation of Pinaka regiments.
• Tata Advanced Systems has achieved nearly 80% indigenous content on manufacturing the Pinaka launchers.
• The Pinaka programme, developed by DRDO and manufactured by the private sector, has emerged as a key Make in India success story in the defence sector.
• A longer range variant, that can strike targets at 75 km range, has been tested successfully and is likely to be ordered in future.