Exclusive: France Considers Acquisition of Indian-Made Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher.

According to information published by Asian News International (ANI), an Indian news agency, on November 9, 2024, the French Army is actively evaluating India’s Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher (MBRL) system for potential integration into its arsenal. A senior French Army officer noted that the Pinaka system, developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), could meet specific tactical needs for France, especially in terms of mobility and rapid-strike capabilities.
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The Indian-made Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher System was showcased at Rajpath during the 72nd Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi on January 26, 2021.(Picture source: India MoD)

Brigadier General Stephane Richou of the French Army confirmed to ANI (Asian News International) that France is considering the Pinaka MBRL as part of a broader assessment involving top global rocket artillery systems. "We are evaluating the Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher system because we need a system like that," Brigadier General Richou stated. "We are evaluating the system among the other systems offered by the highest countries offering such systems. India is among the countries producing the highest weapons." His comments underscore France's strategic interest in Pinaka’s performance, adaptability, and cost-effectiveness, which are key features that have garnered significant recognition in international defense circles.

The Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL), developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is a highly versatile, mobile artillery system designed to deliver rapid and robust fire support. It serves primarily in bombardment roles, targeting enemy positions, infrastructure, and personnel concentrations with impressive accuracy and range. Since its introduction, the Pinaka has evolved significantly, with variants that enhance its range, accuracy, and payload capabilities, making it an effective tool in modern warfare.

The initial variant, the Pinaka Mk-I, has a range of up to 40 kilometers and is equipped with various warheads. It can deliver high-explosive (HE) rounds for widespread blast effects and fragmentation, effective against personnel and lightly fortified structures. The Mk-I also supports anti-tank mine-laying rounds, creating defensive perimeters and obstructing enemy armored vehicles. Additionally, it can launch incendiary warheads designed to ignite fuel or other flammable targets, making it versatile in both offensive and defensive missions. Each Mk-I rocket carries approximately 100 kilograms of explosives, allowing for concentrated firepower in targeted areas.

To meet the demand for greater reach, the Pinaka Mk-II variant extends the system’s operational range to between 60 and 75 kilometers. The Mk-II retains the variety of warheads used in the Mk-I but adds precision-guided capabilities, enhancing its accuracy and making it highly effective in scenarios where controlled, directed strikes are needed. Incorporating GPS and Inertial Navigation System (INS) guidance, the Mk-II can deliver payloads with increased precision, ensuring greater effectiveness and reducing collateral damage on the battlefield.

The Guided Pinaka Rocket variant represents a further leap in the Pinaka’s capabilities, incorporating advanced guidance systems that make it highly suitable for precision engagements. With a range of up to 75 kilometers, it uses a combination of INS and GPS to strike critical high-value targets with minimal error. This variant is especially effective for engaging fortified structures, command centers, and other strategic assets, making it a valuable tool for targeting operations that require pinpoint accuracy.

The Pinaka Area Denial Munition (ADM) rockets are tailored to prevent enemy movement across designated zones for area denial missions. Equipped with cluster munitions, these rockets disperse numerous submunitions over a wide area, effectively neutralizing personnel and light vehicles. Additionally, anti-tank and anti-personnel mine-laying rockets create temporary minefields that act as deterrents, making the ADM variant essential in scenarios where halting enemy advancement is crucial.

To further extend Pinaka’s capabilities, the Extended Range Guided Pinaka (ER-Pinaka) is currently under development, with a projected range of up to 90 kilometers. This upcoming variant aims to deliver the same high precision over longer distances, enhancing the platform’s flexibility and making it one of the most adaptable artillery systems in the Indian Army’s arsenal.

The Pinaka’s ability to switch between these various rocket types offers exceptional adaptability on the battlefield. Mounted on a high-mobility vehicle, it can fire a full salvo of 12 rockets within 44 seconds and relocate immediately to avoid counter-attacks. This mobility, combined with its powerful array of rocket options, has made the Pinaka a preferred artillery choice for the Indian Army and a strong candidate for international defense collaborations.

India and France have a longstanding and robust defense partnership marked by high-level cooperation, technology transfer, and joint military exercises. This partnership has strengthened significantly in recent years, with key acquisitions such as India procuring 36 Rafale fighter jets from France’s Dassault Aviation and increasing collaboration on advanced defense technologies. The two countries conduct regular joint military exercises, including the Garuda and Varuna exercises, enhancing interoperability between their armed forces.

France’s interest in the Pinaka MBRL further reflects the broadening scope of this relationship. Historically, France has sourced its artillery systems from European suppliers; however, evaluating Pinaka signifies a potential shift towards a more diversified defense procurement strategy. This acquisition would mark another milestone in Indo-French defense ties, promoting deeper industrial collaboration and potential co-production initiatives. This alignment not only bolsters the defense industries of both countries but also strengthens their strategic cooperation on regional and global security.

This potential acquisition marks a pivotal shift, as France has traditionally sourced artillery systems from European or NATO-aligned manufacturers. Exploring India’s Pinaka could open doors to expanded Indo-French defense collaboration, potentially establishing pathways for technology transfer, co-production, and joint military initiatives. If finalized, this move could signify a significant strengthening in defense ties between India and France.