India successfully test-fired Pinaka rockets, capable of destroying targets up to 45 kilometers away

On June 25, 2021, the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) successfully test-launched improved range variants of an indigenously designed 122mm Caliber Rocket from a Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL) at the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur, Odisha. Four 122mm improved range rockets were test-launched with full instrumentation and met all of the mission's requirements. These rockets were designed for Army use and can destroy objects up to 40 kilometers away.

Range sensors, including Telemetry, Radar, and Electro-Optical Tracking systems placed by ITR and Proof and Experimental Establishment, tracked all of the flight articles (PXE).

The rocket systems were developed in collaboration by Pune's Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) and Nagpur's High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL), with manufacturing assistance from M/s Economic Explosives Limited. The present 122mm Grad rockets would be replaced by this improved rocket system.

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh thanked the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and the industry for the successful launch of the 122mm Caliber Rocket. Dr. G Satheesh Reddy, Secretary, Department of Defense Research and Development, and Chairman, DRDO, praised the efforts of the teams engaged in the successful trials.

The Narendra Modi government has allotted a budget of Rs 4,78,196 crore for defense expenditure in the current financial year 2021-22, accounting for 13.73 percent of overall central government expenditure, the ministry of defense informed a parliamentary standing committee.