From the defence base of Chandipur on Thursday, five rounds of indigenously developed Pinaka rockets were successfully test-fired from a multi-barrel rocket launcher (MBRl) under a routine training programme.
The tests have been conducted at the Proof and Experimental Establishment (PXE) firing point-2. 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. ‘Pinaka’ system can fire a salvo of 12 rockets in 44 seconds, sources said, 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.