Upgraded Versions of Pinaka Rocket Systems successfully test-fired

New Delhi: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully test-fired Pinaka Mk-I (Enhanced) Rocket System (EPRS) and Pinaka Area Denial Munition (ADM) rocket systems at Pokhran Firing Ranges.

The Ministry of Defence said in a statement that a total of 24 EPRS rockets were fired for different ranges during the last fortnight. Required accuracy and consistency was achieved by the rockets meeting all trial objectives satisfactorily.

With these trails the initial phase of technology absorption of EPRS by the industry has successfully been completed making and the industry partners are ready for user trials/ series production of the rocket system.

The Pinaka rocket system has been developed by Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), Pune supported by the sister laboratory High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL), another Pune based laboratory. Flight trials were conducted along with the Indian Army at Pokhran Ranges.

The EPRS is the upgraded version of Pinaka variant which has been in service with the Indian Army for the last decade. The system has been upgraded with advanced technologies enhancing the range to meet the emerging requirements.

After establishing the performance efficacy of the enhanced range version of Pinaka, the technology was transferred to the industries viz. MIL (erstwhile OFB) and M/s EEL, Nagpur. Rockets manufactured by M/s MIL/ OFCH under ToT from DRDO were flight tested during this campaign. Different variants of munitions and Fuzes which can be used in the Pinaka rocket system were also successfully test evaluated in the Pokharan Field Firing Range.

Dr G Satheesh Reddy, Secretary DDR&D and Chairman DRDO has congratulated the teams for completing the flight trials of new design rockets based on advanced technologies in record time.

(Defence Watch– India's Defence Business News centre that places the spotlight on Defence Manufacturing, Defence Technology, Strategy and Military affairs is on Twitter. Follow us here and stay updated.)