From the defence base Proof and Experimental Establishment (PXE) at Chandipur, several rounds of indigenously developed Pinaka rockets were successfully test-fired from a multi-barrel rocket launcher (MBRl) under a routine programme on Thursday.
The trials were successful and more tests are likely to be conducted in future. In July last year, an advanced, second generation Pinaka Mark II Multi-Barrel Rocket launcher System had undergone successful trials at Chandhan area in Pokhran field firing ranges in western Rajasthan and is in development stage, sources said.
The development and trials of the advanced system will continue and it is expected to enter service very soon, sources added.
The MBRl, capable of acting as a force-multiplier, has been developed to supplement artillery guns. Pinaka is an area weapon system with a range of 40 km. The quick reaction time and high rate of fire of the system gives an edge to the army during a low-intensity conflict situation.
The unguided rocket system is meant to neutralise large areas with rapid salvos. The Pinaka system can fire a salvo of 12 rockets in 44 seconds, sources informed, adding that the battery of six launchers can neutralise at a time a target area of 3.9 sq km.
The system’s capability to incorporate several types of warheads makes it deadly for the enemy as it can even destroy solid structures and bunkers. Pinaka, which has undergone several tough tests since 1995, has already been inducted into the armed forces.