Indian Defence Ministry signs deal worth ₹25.8 billion to purchase ‘Pinaka Rocket Launchers’

New Delhi: – Strong moves are being made to increase the military might, given the increasing tension with China. As a part of this initiative, the defence ministry has finalised a deal with Indian companies worth ₹25.80 billion, for the supply of 114 ‘Pinaka Rocket Launchers’ (Six Pinaka Regiments). This deal is considered to be a part of the government efforts, to encourage the private sector companies, to attain the objective of making India ‘Atmanirbhar’ in the defence sector.

The tension between India and China has festered immensely. India has made preparations to retaliate, against the Chinese activities, on the military level and there is a massive increase in the deployment of defence forces and equipment. Currently, there are tanks, artillery guns, anti-missile systems, fighter jets, helicopters and other defence systems, deployed near the Line of Actual Control with China, in the Ladakh sector. Purchase of Six Pinaka Regiments is the next phase of these preparations.

Pinaka is a multi-barrel missile system, indigenously developed by the DRDO. Pinaka Mark 1 has a range of 40 kilometres and Mark 2 has a range of 75 kilometres. Pinaka can easily target the enemy, hidden in mountainous terrain. Pinaka missiles have already been commissioned in the Indian military. This was effectively used in the Kargil war in 1999. This is considered to be the effective and powerful missile with the Indian military.

The agreement has been signed with Tata Power Co Ltd. (TPCL), Bharat Earth Movers Ltd. (BEML) and L&T for the supply of Pinaka Regiments. These six Pinaka Regiments will include 114 launchers, along with Automated Gun Aiming and Positioning System (AGAPS) and 45 Command Posts that will be supplied by TPCL and L&T. BEML will supply 330 vehicles for carrying the rocket system. These launchers being purchased by the defence ministry will be deployed on both the borders. Taking cognisance of the fact that the Pakistan border cannot be ignored while the tension on the India-China border is increasing, the decision to purchase Pinaka was taken. The defence ministry sources indicated that the deployment of these Pinaka systems would be completed by 2024.

The launchers will be purchased from the domestic companies to promote the ‘Make in India’ initiative. As per the agreement signed with these countries, there will be 70% indigenous component in these systems. This deal with the domestic companies will strengthen the efforts being made to manufacture defence equipment in the country. Only a few days ago, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had informed that the goal has been set to ‘Make for World’ along with ‘Make in India’ and major steps are being initiated to encourage the local industry in the defence sector.