DRDO successfully tests Pinaka long-range guided rocket with 60-km minimum range

NEW DELHI: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Wednesday successfully conducted the flight-test of the Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR) at the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Odisha, the defence ministry said.The successful trial marks another milestone in the development of India's indigenous long-range rocket artillery system, aimed at enhancing the Army's precision strike capability under the government's Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.The latest test follows the successful maiden proof trial of the Pinaka Extended Range Rocket conducted at the Pokhran Field Firing Range in Rajasthan in March. During that exercise, 24 rockets were test-fired to validate their accuracy, consistency and lethality, with all meeting the required performance parameters before operational induction.The Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket is the guided version of the indigenous Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher system and is designed to deliver precision strikes at extended ranges. The system is expected to significantly improve the Indian Army's long-range firepower while reducing dependence on imported weapon systems.Developed by DRDO with support from Indian industry, the Pinaka family of rockets has become one of the key pillars of India's indigenous artillery capability. The system has been progressively upgraded with extended-range and guided variants to improve accuracy, range and battlefield effectiveness.The defence ministry said further details of the latest flight-test will be shared in due course. The successful trial comes as India continues to expand and modernise its indigenous missile and rocket arsenal through a series of developmental and user trials across the country.