Successful trial validates precision strike capability and marks another milestone in India’s indigenous long-range rocket programme.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully conducted the flight test of the Pinaka Long-Range Guided Rocket (LRGR) from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, validating the weapon system’s accuracy and operational capability, according to the Press Information Bureau (PIB).
The rocket was tested for a user-defined minimum range of 60 km and accurately struck its designated target after completing all planned in-flight manoeuvres. DRDO said the rocket followed its predicted trajectory throughout the flight, while all deployed range instruments successfully tracked its performance.
The Pinaka LRGR has been designed by the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) in collaboration with the High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL), with support from the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) and Research Centre Imarat (RCI). The trial was coordinated by ITR and the Proof & Experimental Establishment using an in-service Pinaka launcher, demonstrating its ability to launch different Pinaka variants from the same platform.
Defence minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, the Indian Army and industry partners on the successful test, describing it as “a major milestone in indigenous design and development capability for long-range guided rockets.”
Defence secretary and DRDO chairman Rajesh Kumar Singh, who closely monitored the trial, also congratulated the teams involved, calling the successful test another important step in strengthening India’s indigenous defence technology capabilities.
