Sara yasir
Dec 29,2020
7:36am
In November 2020, the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) successfully test-fired an enhanced version of the Pinaka rocket system. The test flight of rockets was carried out from the Integrated Testing range in Chandipur, off the coast of Odisha. During the test flight, 6 rockets were launched in quick succession and as per DRDO all met the mission objectives.
The Pinaka is a multiple rocket launcher system which is a part of our country’s defense system. It is a multi-barrel rocket launcher or MBRL placed on a Tatra truck, which is already being used by the Indian army. The specialty of the recently launched one is that this enhanced version of the Pinaka rockets system, when compared to the earlier one, has a longer range with a reduced length. The earlier variant of the Pinaka rocket system is known as Mk-1. Mk-1 had a range of 36 km.This enhanced version can hit a target that is 45 to 60 km away. It looks more like a missile that can be pinpointed on the target.
This all-weather, indirect fire, and free flight artillery system is designed and developed by Pune-based laboratories of DRDO- Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE), and High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL).
It has many special features. Most important is it has a quick reaction time and a high rate of fire system, which means it can deliver a lethal and responsive fire accurately. This in turn will help our armed forces during low-intensity conflict situations. It can effectively target enemy troops and vehicles which are exposed, communication centers, air terminal complexes, and other ammunition areas. It can specifically target things which are not far away
The enhanced version was developed with an aim to achieve longer range performance. Pinaka is the first indigenous rocket system developed by DRDO with the help of private industries. As it can carry different types of warheads with ease, it always proves to be deadly for the enemies as it can effectively destroy their bunkers. During the Kargil war, Pinaka was tested and this rocket launcher proved successful in neutralizing the enemy positions in the mountaintops.
The first Pinaka regiment was raised in the Indian army in February 2000 and each regiment consists of three batteries of six Pinaka launchers. Each of these launchers has the capability to launch 12 rockets with a range of 40 km in a space of 44 seconds. Apart from these, a regiment also has support vehicles, radar, and a command post.