New Delhi: Following Operation Sindhur, India has rapidly strengthened its defence capabilities. In recent months, the Indian Army has signed multi-crore deals with domestic defence firms while continuing to leverage advanced military technology from the U.S. and Russia. Now, the Army is undertaking a major upgrade of its indigenous Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL).
Under this initiative, leading private sector companies Tata Advanced Systems and Larsen & Toubro (L&T), which have previously manufactured components of the Pinaka system, have received contracts to support the modernisation effort. The firms will collaborate closely with Army base workshops to upgrade critical components, provide continuous technical support, and replace older parts.
The upgraded Pinaka system has become the Indian Army’s primary rocket artillery platform, and work is underway to increase its range beyond 150 km.
“This unique partnership brings together a domestic private OEM and the Indian Army to enhance lifecycle support for frontline artillery systems,” said an L&T spokesperson. “It sets a blueprint for similar lifecycle management and upgrade programs across other defence platforms.”
In the first phase, a pilot overhaul of the Pinaka launcher and its battery command post will be conducted in collaboration with the 510 Army Base Workshop (ABW). Following successful completion, upgrades will be rolled out across all systems. Tata Advanced Systems confirmed that their Pinaka launchers are made using approximately 80% indigenous components, strengthening the company’s land combat systems portfolio.
About the Pinaka Programme
Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Pinaka programme is a flagship example of the ‘Make in India’ initiative. Last year, the government signed India’s largest domestic defence contract to date for the Pinaka system, valued at over ₹10,000 crore.
A Domestic Supply of Ammunition
Future ammunition requirements for Pinaka will be fulfilled domestically by Munition India Limited and Economic Explosives Limited (EEL), who have received technology transfers from DRDO. A long-range Pinaka variant, capable of striking targets at 75 km, has been successfully tested, and further orders are expected. Development is also underway for even longer-range variants exceeding 150 km.
Strategic Significance
The upgrades will significantly enhance the lethality and precision of the Pinaka system. With extended range and improved capabilities, the system will be more effective in neutralising enemy positions from a distance. The involvement of private companies not only increases production capacity but also boosts India’s indigenous defence industry, reinforcing self-reliance and the ‘Make in India’ vision.
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