Explained: The Pinaka missile system

News: The Ministry of Defence(MoD) has announced that it’s acquisition wing had signed contracts with three Indian companies for supply of six regiments of the Pinaka Rocket System to be deployed along borders with Pakistan and China.

Facts:

  • Pinaka: It is a multiple rocket launcher produced in India and developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation for the Indian Army. 
  • Range: The system has a maximum range of 40 km for Mark-I and 75 km for Mark-II, and can fire a salvo of 12 HE rockets in 44 seconds.
  • Significance: Pinaka can be used for attacking the adversary targets prior to the close quarter battles which involve smaller range artillery, armoured elements and the infantry.