Long-Range Rockets and Futuristic Ammunition on Indian Army’s Radar

Long-Range Rockets and Futuristic Ammunition on Indian Army’s Radar

Sub: Sci

Sec: Defence

Why in News

The Indian Army is focusing on expanding its artillery capabilities, emphasizing long-range rockets and futuristic ammunition. This shift comes in the wake of lessons learned from global conflicts, particularly the Ukraine war and the ongoing Gaza offensive. The Army is looking to indigenize and diversify its vendor base for critical ammunition, such as 155mm artillery shells, while also pursuing cutting-edge military technologies.

Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launch System

The Pinaka MBRL is an indigenously developed multi-barrel rocket launching system designed by the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), a division of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It is a vital component of India’s artillery system and has been successfully deployed in various military operations, including the Kargil War, where it played a crucial role in neutralizing enemy positions in high-altitude regions.

Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher Systems (MRLS) are long-range, indirect-fire weapon platforms designed to launch multiple rockets in quick succession. These systems are used to saturate an area with explosive projectiles, making them effective against fortified enemy positions, troop concentrations, and critical infrastructure. MRLS are highly valued for their mobility, high rate of fire, and ability to deliver precise strikes over long distances.

Modular Components:

Launcher Vehicle: The system features a multi-tube launcher vehicle that can fire multiple rockets simultaneously.

Replenishment Vehicles: These include a loader vehicle and a replenishment vehicle to ensure a quick reload and high firing efficiency.

Command Post Vehicle: A dedicated vehicle for operational control and coordination during engagements.

High Firing Capability: Each launcher vehicle is equipped with two pods, each containing six rockets. It can cover a target area of 700 × 500 square metres in under 48 seconds.

Range: The range of the Pinaka system has been significantly extended, with its rockets capable of striking targets at distances of 60 to 75 kilometers.

Global Examples of MRLS:

HIMARS (USA): The High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, used by the US military, has gained prominence due to its use in various global conflicts, including the ongoing war in Ukraine.

BM-21 Grad (Russia): A widely used Soviet-origin system, the BM-21 Grad has been adopted by many countries and has a reputation for being a highly effective battlefield support weapon.

Smerch (Russia): Another Russian-origin system, Smerch, has a longer range compared to Grad and is capable of delivering heavier rockets, making it a potent long-range artillery system.

Lessons from Global Conflicts

Ukraine War: The Ukraine war has underscored the importance of long-range artillery. The conflict, now in its third year, has demonstrated the critical role of artillery in warfare, with reports suggesting Russia fires up to 15,000 155mm shells daily, while Ukraine fires around 4,000.

Implication for Indian Army: Drawing from these global lessons, the Indian Army is focusing on expanding the range and precision of its artillery systems, particularly the Pinaka.

Procurement of Advanced Weaponry

Pralay Tactical Missiles: The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved the procurement of Pralay tactical ballistic missiles.

A quasi-ballistic missile has a low trajectory, and while it is largely ballistic, it can manoeuvre in flight. The missile has a range of 150-500 kilometres and has been developed according to specifications given by eventual user, the Army. The missile was tested from the Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha and met all its objectives.

Nirbhay Sub-Sonic Cruise Missiles: These missiles have a range of 1,000 km. Trials for Pralay are nearly complete, while the Nirbhay trials are ongoing, with an indigenous engine tested in April 2024.

India’s first indigenously developed cruise missile, designed by the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), a DRDO lab based in Bengaluru. It is engineered for deep penetration and precision strikes on high-value targets.

Area Denial Munition (ADM):The ADM system, designed for anti-tank and anti-personnel purposes, is under development.

155mm Ammunition: The Indian Army is standardizing its artillery to 155mm caliber, ensuring consistency across its artillery systems. Depending on the gun and charge used, can range from 15 to 40 km and beyond for extended-range variants. It is used across a variety of platforms including the indigenous Dhanush, ATAGS, and imported systems like the M777 howitzers.