With 7th regiment, Army expands Pinaka fleet

Indian Army Bolsters Rocket Artillery with Seventh Pinaka Regiment

The Indian Army has marked a significant milestone in its artillery modernization by bringing the seventh Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher regiment into full operation. This development comes amid heightened strategic needs along the western and northern borders. The Pinaka system, developed indigenously by the Defence Research and Development Organisation, represents a cornerstone of India's push towards self-reliance in defense manufacturing. With this latest addition, the army now fields seven such regiments, enhancing its ability to deliver precise, high-volume firepower over extended ranges.

Pinaka regiments are specialized artillery units equipped with truck-mounted launchers that can unleash a barrage of rockets in seconds, saturating large enemy positions effectively. Each regiment typically includes multiple launchers, command posts, and support vehicles, making it a self-contained force multiplier on the battlefield. The system's high mobility allows it to fire and relocate quickly, evading counterattacks. This expansion is part of a broader strategy to phase out older rocket systems and build a robust, homegrown rocket force capable of meeting modern warfare demands.

Expansion Plans and Recent Contracts Fuel Growth

The momentum gained pace following the 2020 Galwan Valley clash, prompting swift action from the defense ministry. That year, contracts worth over Rs 2,500 crore were signed with companies like Bharat Earth Movers Limited, Tata Power, and Larsen & Toubro for six additional regiments. These included 114 advanced launchers fitted with automated gun aiming systems, 45 command posts, and 330 support vehicles, targeted for deployment along sensitive borders. The seventh regiment is now active, while the eighth is in advanced stages of equipping and training, set to join by year-end.

Looking ahead, two more from the 2020 batch are slated for operational status next year, pushing the total to ten Pinaka regiments. Long-term ambitions aim for around 22 regiments, gradually replacing ageing Russian-origin systems like the Grad. Recent contracts awarded to Tata Advanced Systems and Larsen & Toubro in early 2026 ensure sustained production and maintenance, signaling a commitment to this platform for decades. Production lines are ramping up, with capacity for thousands of rockets monthly, bolstering readiness.

a defense source noted. This underscores the methodical approach to building an integrated rocket force rooted in indigenous technology.

The seventh regiment has already been operationalised, and the eighth, having received more than half its equipment, is undergoing conversion and should become operational before the end of the year, paving the way for enhanced firepower along our frontiers,

Pinaka's Capabilities and Strategic Edge

What sets Pinaka apart is its versatility and firepower. A single launcher can fire 12 rockets in just 44 seconds, covering a target area of about 1,000 by 800 meters. Variants offer strike ranges from 38 kilometers up to over 75 kilometers, with newer developments like the LRGR-120 extending reach to 120 kilometers using existing hardware. This shoot-and-scoot tactic enhances survivability, crucial in contested environments. Currently, the army operates around 15 rocket regiments across platforms, but Pinaka is the focus for future dominance.

Beyond domestic use, Pinaka has gained international traction, with exports beginning to nations like Armenia earlier this year. This not only validates the system's reliability but also boosts India's defense export profile. The regiments are being positioned strategically to counter threats, providing commanders with overwhelming fire support to neutralize enemy artillery, troop concentrations, and logistics in rapid salvos. As tensions persist regionally, this expansion fortifies India's deterrence posture without relying on foreign suppliers.

In summary, the induction of the seventh Pinaka regiment, with more on the horizon, reflects India's determined stride towards a modern, indigenous artillery force. This buildup enhances long-range strike options, supports border security, and aligns with national self-reliance goals, positioning the army stronger for emerging challenges.