India sucessfully test-fired Pinaka Mark-2 214mm MLRS Multiple Launch Rocket System 0106144.

Indigenously developed advanced version of Pinaka, Mark-2 rockets were successfully test fired from a multi-barrel rocket launcher from a defence base at Chandipur, about 15 km from Balasore.

Three rockets were fired from the multi-barrel rocket launching system (MBRLS) at the Proof and Experimental Establishment (PXE) in Chandipur-on-Sea in Balasore district, around 230 km from hubaneswar.

Pinaka, the unguided rocket system meant to neutralise large areas with rapid salvos and which has undergone several tough tests since 1995, was inducted into the armed forces and the present trials were conducted with some improvements in the system, the sources said.

The advanced version Mark-II rockets with a range of more than 60 km, capable of acting as a force-multiplier, was developed to supplement artillery guns, the sources said.

The system's capability to incorporate several types of warheads made it deadly for the enemy as it could even destroy solid structures and bunkers. The Pinaka system with a battery of six launchers could fire a salvo of 12 rockets in 44 seconds and could neutralise a target area of 3.9 sq km.

Three rounds of rockets were earlier test fired from the same defence base Thursday.