Paris/New Delhi: India’s indigenous Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL) has attracted significant international interest, with France now exploring the possibility of acquiring the system for its military. Following the successful export of Pinaka to Armenia, France is evaluating the system’s capabilities, with plans for a potential purchase.
Pinaka, developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has proven to be an efficient and versatile weapon system. It can launch multiple rockets within seconds, covering a range of up to 75 kilometers. This makes it ideal for targeting enemy positions such as bunkers and artillery posts, enhancing any military’s capabilities. The French Army, which currently lacks a comparable rocket system, has expressed particular interest in Pinaka’s performance, particularly in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, where the system’s effectiveness in combat has been demonstrated.
Brigadier General Stephane Richou of the French Army confirmed that France is actively evaluating Pinaka, alongside other potential systems, though the process is still in its early stages. This evaluation comes after French military officials visited India for the 20th round of Army-to-Army Staff Talks, strengthening defense ties between the two nations.
India and France have a long history of defense cooperation. France has supplied India with advanced military technology, including Rafale fighter jets and Scorpene-class submarines. Additionally, a partnership between France’s Safran and India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) aims to locally produce helicopter engines under the “Make in India” initiative. Should France move forward with purchasing the Pinaka system, it would mark a major success for India’s defense sector and bolster its growing role as a global defense exporter.
Pinaka’s Role and Capabilities
In service with the Indian Army since the mid-1990s, Pinaka played a crucial role during the Kargil War, effectively targeting enemy positions. The system has undergone continuous improvements, including the development of guided extended-range rockets. Plans are also underway to extend Pinaka’s range to 300 kilometers. With successful trials and deployments, the system has cemented its status as one of the most advanced artillery systems available today.
India’s Growing Defense Export Role
India’s increasing defense exports reflect its rising influence in the global military market. Armenia became the first international customer for Pinaka, with other nations also expressing interest in acquiring the system. If France proceeds with a purchase, it would further strengthen India’s position as a key player in the defense industry, showcasing its ability to design and manufacture cutting-edge military technology.
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Future Enhancements
In addition to its primary role as a rocket launcher, plans are in place to increase Pinaka’s versatility by adapting it for land mine laying. With extended-range rocket trials on the horizon, these advancements indicate that India is focused on enhancing the system’s effectiveness in future combat scenarios.
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Strengthening India-France Defense Ties
The potential sale of Pinaka to France would represent a significant milestone in India’s defense exports, while also deepening the defense cooperation between the two nations. As both countries work to strengthen their defense partnership, the adoption of Pinaka by France could be a game-changer, cementing India’s role as a trusted partner in advanced military technology.
