India has achieved a significant milestone in the defence sector with the export of the indigenous guided Pinaka rocket. The first consignment has been shipped to Armenia, manufactured entirely by a private sector company, marking a major step in India’s ambition to become a global hub for ammunition production.
Armenia: The First Buyer
The guided Pinaka rockets exported to Armenia were produced by Solar Defence and Aerospace Ltd (SDAL), the defence arm of Solar Industries India. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted that India aims to become a global hub for ammunition production, emphasizing equal collaboration between public and private sectors. He stated, “Our goal is to advance in the spirit of cooperation, not competition. Both sectors must complement each other to strengthen national capabilities.”
Solar Defence & Aerospace: India’s Private Sector Powerhouse
SDAL has emerged as a leading manufacturer of explosives and advanced defence products in India. Its portfolio includes:
- Nag Astra (loitering munition)
- Bhargava Astra Missile (counter-drone system)
- Guided Pinaka Rocket
- Grenades and various UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles)
The Defence Minister also cited Operation Sindur, where Nag Astra drones built by SDAL were used with precision to neutralize terrorist targets, and praised ongoing development of next-generation weapons systems for future strategic use.
About the Guided Pinaka Rocket System
The Pinaka rocket system is an indigenous, mobile, multi-barrel rocket launcher developed by DRDO. It can fire 12 rockets in 44 seconds, with a range of 40–120 km, which can be extended further. Its guided version allows for high-precision strikes, attracting interest from countries including France.
Private Sector’s Role in Defence Production
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized that the private sector should contribute at least 50% of India’s defence production. The private sector’s performance in research and development has been instrumental in meeting domestic needs and fulfilling export demands.
India’s defence production has grown significantly since 2014, from ₹46,425 crore to ₹1.51 lakh crore, with the private sector currently contributing ₹33,000 crore. Defence exports by the private sector have also jumped from ₹1,000 crore in 2014 to ₹24,000 crore today, giving a major boost to the Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) mission.
Conclusion
With the Pinaka rocket export to Armenia, India not only showcases its defence manufacturing prowess but also positions itself as a rising global player in advanced ammunition production, strengthening both national security and international defence collaboration.
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