Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR): Features and Significance

Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket

Context

Recently, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) achieved another milestone in indigenous defence technology by successfully flight-testing the Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR) at the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur.

About Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR)

  1. Pinaka LRGR is an extended-range precision-guided rocket developed for the Pinaka Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) of the Indian Army.
  2. It has been developed by the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) in collaboration with the High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL), Research Centre Imarat (RCI), and Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) under DRDO.
  3. It has a maximum strike range of about 120 km, significantly extending the operational reach of the Pinaka weapon system.
  4. The rocket employs an advanced guidance system incorporating inertial navigation, mid-course guidance updates, and terminal active radar homing for high-precision strikes.
  5. It can accurately engage enemy artillery positions, command centres, and logistics installations, making it particularly effective in mountainous and other challenging terrains.
  6. The rocket is backward compatible, allowing deployment from existing Pinaka launchers without major structural modifications.
  7. Due to the integration of additional guidance electronics, each guided Pinaka launcher carries eight rockets.
  8. Pinaka LRGR enhances the Indian Army’s long-range precision strike capability and supports India’s indigenous defence modernisation.