France evaluating India’s Pinaka rocket system for its use

Sub : Sci

Sec: Defence

Context:

France is considering India’s indigenously developed Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL) system for its defence needs.
The French Army is organizing a detailed evaluation of Pinaka, among other global options to replace its M270 Lance-Roquettes Unitaire (LRU) rocket systems.

India – France defence cooperation:

Four Domains of Cooperation: capability-building; education, training, and information sharing; procurement; and strengthening bonds between senior military leaders.
India and France recently held the seventh edition of joint military exercise, Exercise Shakti.
Additionally, both countries are advancing defence projects, including discussions for India to acquire 26 Rafale-M fighter jets, three Scorpene-class submarines, and a potential joint project to develop a jet engine for India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).

About Pinaka Missile System:

Pinaka is an indigenously developed rocket system named after Lord Shiva’s mythological bow.
It is used for attacking the adversary targets prior to the close-quarter battles which involve smaller range artillery, armoured elements and the infantry.
The development of the Pinaka was started by the DRDO in the late 1980s, as an alternative to the multi-barrel rocket launching systems of Russian make, called like the ‘Grad’, which are still in use.
After successful tests of Pinaka Mark-1 in late 1990, it was first used in the battlefield during the Kargil War of 1999, quite successfully.
The Indian Army currently has four Pinaka regiments.

Capabilities:

The Pinaka, which is primarily a multi-barrel rocket system (MBRL) system, can fire a salvo of 12 rockets over a period of 44 seconds.
The Pinaka Mk1 has a range of 38 km, and the ongoing development of extended-range and guided ammunition could enhance its range to over 75 km, with future plans aiming for ranges up to 300 km.
The navigation system of the missile is linked with the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System.

Global Interest:

Armenia recently became the first export customer for the Pinaka system, with other countries showing interest.