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NEW DELHI: Industry and defence major Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has been awarded a supply order from the Indian Army’s Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME) for upgrade of the indigenously-manufactured Pinaka multi-rocket launcher systems.Developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Pinaka is India’s premier indigenous multi-barrel rocket launcher. While early versions had a range of approximately 40 km, newer variants such as Guided Pinaka and Long-Range Guided Rocket (LRGR) have extended ranges of up to 120 km, making the system a critical asset for deep-strike operations.The Indian army currently operates around six Pinaka rocket launcher regiments, with plans to significantly expand this to 10 regiments by mid-2026 and a long-term goal of 22 regiments, equipping them with newer, longer-range guided versions, replacing older systems.A Pinaka regiment typically consists of 18 launchers, organised into three batteries, with each battery having six launcher vehicles, and each launcher firing 12 rockets. These regiments enhance India’s deep-strike artillery capabilities and are deployed along the China and Pakistan borders.The L&T order covers the “overhaul, upgrade and obsolescence management” of Pinaka systems already in service. This involves modernising electronic sub-systems and replacing hardware that has reached the end of its operational life. “This unique partnership between a domestic private original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and Army, for sustenance of frontline artillery systems, is a significant step for product lifecycle support of made-in-India, in-service artillery systems. The partnership with the Corps of EME aims to enhance long-term operational availability and modernisation of Pinaka regiments currently in service with the Army,” L&T said in a statement.In the initial phase, L&T shall jointly undertake a pilot overhaul of Pinaka Launcher and Battery Command Post in collaboration with 510 Army Base Workshops. Upon successful completion of the pilot phase, remaining systems shall be overhauled by 510 ABW of the Corps of EME, with L&T continuing to provide critical spares, technical support and quality oversight.Pinaka rockets played a crucial role in the 1999 Kargil war, effectively neutralising Pakistani positions on mountain tops with rapid barrages of rockets, proving its capability in high-altitude conflict and becoming a key artillery system for the Indian Army.
