France considers buying Pinaka India’s advanced guided weapon system: It is named after Lord Shiva’s bow :
India has completed the flight test of its advanced guided weapon system Pinaka.
During the test, the Pinaka system’s range, accuracy, consistency and rate of fire for multiple target engagements in a salvo mode were assessed.
“Defence Research and Development Organisation or DRDO has completed the flight tests of Guided Pinaka Weapon System as part of Provisional Staff Qualitative Requirements (PSQR) validation trials,” the Defence Ministry said today, adding that the flight tests have been conducted in three phases at different field firing ranges.
With this, New Delhi’s defence manufacturing push under ‘Make in India’ is gaining momentum. France has recently shown interest in the Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher or MBRL system to bolster its defences.
Named after Lord Shiva’s divine bow, the Pinaka rocket system replaced the Russian Grad BM-21 rocket launcher for the Indian Army.
The system is already in service with the Indian Army and deployed at the LoC with Pakistan and LAC with China. It was reportedly delivered to Armenia via Iran in 2023 to bolster its defence against Azerbaijan.
France’s move to consider buying the Pinaka system is part of the effort to boost defence and strategic ties between the two nations. France is India’s second biggest defence supplier after Russia. The recent T AC 295 transport aircraft deal and the Rafael deal are a testament to Paris and New Delhi’s steadfast defence ties.
