Indian Ministry of Defence Awards Contracts Worth INR 2580 Crores for Pinaka Multibarrel Rocket Launcher Systems

Strategic Insights -

The Indian Ministry of Defence has awarded contracts worth INR 2580 Crores ($352.4 million) to local defence contractors BEML, Tata Power, and Larsen & Toubro for the supply of Pinaka multibarrel rocket launcher systems. The acquisition wing of the Ministry of Defence has signed contracts with the three companies for the supply of six Pinaka regiments to the Regiment of Artillery of the Indian Army. The six regiments will comprise 114 launchers with automated gun aiming and positioning systems, 45 command posts, and 330 vehicles. The induction of the six Pinaka regiments is planned to be completed by 2024 and will be operationalised along the northern and eastern borders of the country.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Indian Ministry of Defence has awarded contracts worth INR 2580 Crores ($352.4 million) to BEML, Tata Power, and Larsen & Toubro for the supply of Pinaka multibarrel rocket launcher systems.
  • The acquisition wing of the Ministry of Defence has signed contracts with the three companies for the supply of six Pinaka regiments to the Regiment of Artillery of the Indian Army.
  • Each Pinaka regiment will comprise 114 launchers with automated gun aiming and positioning systems, 45 command posts, and 330 vehicles.
  • The induction of the six Pinaka regiments is planned to be completed by 2024 and will be operationalised along the northern and eastern borders of the country.
  • The Pinaka multibarrel rocket launcher system is a multifaceted system integrating high energy propulsion, sub-munition warheads, servo-controlled launcher configuration, and fire control computer.
  • The MBRL system is capable of firing free flight as well as guided Pinaka rockets with ranges of up to 77.5 km.
  • A battery of six launchers can fire a salvo of 72 free flight rockets in 44 seconds, delivering 7.2 tons of payload in the form of lethal warheads.

Statistics:

  • Contracts worth INR 2580 Crores ($352.4 million) awarded to BEML, Tata Power, and Larsen & Toubro.
  • Six Pinaka regiments to be supplied to the Regiment of Artillery of the Indian Army.
  • 114 launchers with automated gun aiming and positioning systems per regiment.
  • 45 command posts per regiment.
  • 330 vehicles per regiment.
  • Induction of six Pinaka regiments planned to be completed by 2024.
  • Operationalisation of six Pinaka regiments along the northern and eastern borders of the country.

Sources:

  • Indian Ministry of Defence statement, August 31, 2022.
  • BEML spokesperson, Twitter statement, Monday (no date provided).
  • Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) technology transfer agreement (no date provided).
  • Legal Monitor Worldwide. (2020). Pinaka multi-barrel launcher system.