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First Delivery of Pinaka MLRS to Armenia Showcases India’s Rising Defense Exports.
In November 2024, India initiated exporting its domestically developed Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher (MBRL) systems to Armenia, marking a key moment in its defense export efforts, as reported by IDRW. This delivery, part of a contract finalized after two years of negotiations, highlights the strengthening defense partnership between the two nations and India's increasing prominence in the global arms market.
Interest in the Pinaka system has extended beyond Armenia, with countries in Europe and Southeast Asia expressing enthusiasm for its variants (Picture source: Indian Army)
The Pinaka MBRL, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with private companies and public sector firms like Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML), is a mobile and versatile artillery system designed for rapid deployment and effective firepower. Primarily employed for bombardment, it targets enemy positions, infrastructure, and troop concentrations with precision and range. Since its induction, Pinaka has undergone significant advancements, resulting in variants that enhance range, accuracy, and payload options to meet modern battlefield demands.
The Pinaka Mk-I, the system’s initial version, has a range of up to 40 kilometers and supports multiple warheads. It delivers high-explosive (HE) munitions for impactful blast and fragmentation effects, effective against personnel and lightly fortified targets. Additionally, it can deploy anti-tank mines to create defensive perimeters and incendiary warheads capable of igniting fuel or other flammable materials. With each rocket carrying approximately 100 kilograms of explosives, the Mk-I delivers concentrated firepower for various operational scenarios.
The Pinaka Mk-II extends the system’s range to 60-75 kilometers and retains the warhead versatility of the Mk-I while incorporating precision-guided capabilities. Equipped with GPS and inertial navigation systems (INS), it delivers payloads with improved accuracy, ensuring effective strikes while minimizing collateral damage. This enhancement makes the Mk-II suitable for scenarios requiring targeted, controlled engagement.
The guided Pinaka variant further builds on these capabilities, offering advanced guidance technologies for pinpoint accuracy. With a maximum range of 75 kilometers, this variant is ideal for high-value targets such as fortified structures and command centers. Its precision and effectiveness make it a valuable asset for operations that demand exact targeting.
Another specialized version, the Pinaka Area Denial Munition (ADM), is designed for area denial missions, restricting enemy movement across designated zones. Using cluster munitions, it disperses submunitions over a wide area to neutralize personnel and light vehicles. Additionally, mine-laying rockets create temporary defensive fields, making the ADM variant an essential tool for halting enemy advances.
The upcoming Extended Range Guided Pinaka (ER-Pinaka) is under development and aims to push the system's range to 90 kilometers. This variant is expected to combine long-range capabilities with the same high level of precision, further increasing its operational flexibility.
Pinaka’s modularity and adaptability make it highly effective on the battlefield. Mounted on high-mobility vehicles, it can fire a salvo of 12 rockets in 44 seconds and relocate swiftly to avoid counterattacks. This combination of mobility, firepower, and versatility has positioned it as a preferred artillery solution for the Indian Army and an attractive option for international defense collaborations.
The contract with Armenia reflects the latter’s intent to diversify and modernize its military capabilities in response to evolving security challenges. The addition of Pinaka systems strengthens Armenia’s defense strategy by enabling effective targeting of enemy positions and safeguarding logistical networks. This agreement follows the recent acquisition of Akash air defense missile systems by Armenia, further demonstrating its reliance on Indian defense technology.
India’s export of Pinaka aligns with the "Make in India" and "Atmanirbhar Bharat" initiatives, which aim to enhance domestic production and innovation in the defense sector. Since 2014, these policies have facilitated significant international partnerships, solidifying India's position as a key player in the global arms industry. Armenia now ranks among India’s top three defense importers, alongside the United States and France.
Interest in the Pinaka system has extended beyond Armenia, with countries in Europe and Southeast Asia expressing enthusiasm for its variants. France, for instance, highlighted its interest during the visit of India’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan, earlier in 2024. This growing global interest underlines Pinaka's potential as a reliable and advanced artillery solution in an increasingly competitive market.
The delivery of Pinaka systems to Armenia represents more than a commercial transaction; it underscores India's growing role in global defense and its ability to forge meaningful partnerships. As India continues to expand its defense exports, agreements like this could pave the way for future collaborations, enhancing its position as a significant contributor to regional and international security.