Army to Get First Batch of Extended Range Pinaka Rockets The Indian Army is set to receive its first batch of extended-range Pinaka rockets from Nagpur-based Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited (SDAL) on Thursday. A successful proof test of the rockets—capable of striking targets up to 45 kilometers—was conducted on Wednesday, clearing the way for delivery. The proof test involved quality checks on randomly selected samples from the production lot before final induction. Extensive user trials have already been completed, marking the first induction of the extended-range variant into the Indian Army. Existing Pinaka variants have a strike range of under 40 kilometers. Both SDAL and Munitions India Limited (MIL) have secured orders to supply these upgraded systems, with proof tests for MIL’s batch scheduled later this month. Indian manufacturers are already exporting guided variants of the Pinaka rocket, which can strike targets beyond 70 kilometers, to Armenia. These versions are more advanced than the domestic variant being inducted. However, ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran have disrupted deliveries. Indian firms began supplying these systems to Armenia even before their domestic induction. The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan has complicated logistics, as the primary supply route through Iran has become increasingly uncertain due to the evolving geopolitical situation. As a result, shipments are currently held up in India, awaiting clearance for export. Sources indicated that the last deliveries may have been dispatched in February. The Pinaka rocket system was developed from the Russian Smerch system and was indigenized in 2009. Initially produced by ordnance factories, SDAL has since become the first private sector company to manufacture the system.#indian_army #armenia #solar_defence_and_aerospace_limited #munitions_india_limited #pinaka_rocket
