New Delhi, July 8: The Defence Research and Development Organisation on Wednesday successfully flight-tested the Pinaka Long-Range Guided Rocket at a user-defined minimum range of 60 kilometres from the Integrated Test Range in Odisha, marking another milestone in the weapon system’s operational validation.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the rocket executed all planned in-flight manoeuvres before striking the designated target with precision while following the predicted trajectory. Range instrumentation tracked the flight throughout the test.
The trial demonstrated the capability of launching different variants of the Pinaka guided rocket from the same in-service Pinaka launcher, highlighting the versatility of the indigenous artillery rocket system.
The long-range guided rocket has been developed by DRDO’s Armament Research and Development Establishment in collaboration with the High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, with support from the Defence Research and Development Laboratory and Research Centre Imarat. The flight trial was coordinated by the Integrated Test Range and the Proof & Experimental Establishment.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, the Indian Army and industry partners, describing the successful test as a major milestone in India’s indigenous long-range guided rocket development programme.
Defence Secretary and DRDO Chairman Rajesh Kumar Singh, who monitored the trial, also commended the teams involved.
The latest trial follows the maiden successful test of the Pinaka Long-Range Guided Rocket at its maximum range of 120 kilometres conducted from the same test range in December last year. The Pinaka system forms part of the Indian Army’s indigenous multiple-launch rocket capability designed for long-range precision strikes.
