The LRGR 120 has been designed by the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), in collaboration with the High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL)
The rocket was tested for its full strike range of 120 kilometres. Pic/Defence PRO
India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully carried out the maiden flight test of the Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR 120) on Monday. The test was conducted at the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur of Odisha.
The rocket was tested for its full strike range of 120 kilometres and performed all planned in-flight manoeuvres. According to officials, it hit the target with high accuracy.
Trial coincides with army clearance
The successful test came on the same day that the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) cleared the project for induction into the Indian Army. The approval was granted earlier in the day, making the test especially significant.
All tracking systems deployed at the test range monitored the rocket throughout its flight, confirming its performance and precision.
Indigenous development and advanced design
The LRGR 120 has been designed by the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), in collaboration with the High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL). Support was also provided by the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) and the Research Centre Imarat (RCI).
The trial was coordinated by the Integrated Test Range and the Proof & Experimental Establishment.
Launched from existing Pinaka system
The rocket was fired from an in-service Pinaka launcher, demonstrating that the same launcher can be used for Pinaka rockets of different ranges. This highlights the system’s flexibility and operational advantage for the Army.
Leaders congratulate DRDO teams
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO on the achievement, calling the long-range guided rocket a game-changer that will significantly enhance the capabilities of the Armed Forces.
DRDO Chairman and Secretary, Department of Defence R&D, Dr Samir V Kamat, who witnessed the test, praised the teams for successfully meeting all mission objectives.
Pinaka’s growing role and global interest
The Pinaka Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) is one of India’s most successful indigenous artillery systems, known for its rapid response and precision.
The Indian Army has shown strong backing for the Pinaka programme. Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi has indicated that the force may drop plans for alternate systems once longer-range Pinaka variants are fully operational.
Pinaka has also seen success in the export market. Armenia has already inducted the system, while several European countries, including France, have shown interest.
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