By Emeka Blast 
India’s DRDO Unveils Next-Gen Pinaka System Development
By Emeka Blast– June 21, 2025
In a significant stride toward bolstering India’s artillery capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is developing advanced variants of the Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher (MBRL) system, named Pinaka-MK3 and Pinaka-MK4. These new systems, with ranges of 120 km and 300 km respectively, promise to enhance the Indian Army’s long-range strike power, reinforcing India’s self-reliance in defence manufacturing under the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative. The announcement, confirmed by DRDO Chairman Samir V. Kamat, has sparked optimism and debate about India’s military modernization.
Pinaka’s Legacy and Evolution
The Pinaka system, developed by DRDO’s Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) in Pune, is a proven asset, named after the mythical bow of Lord Shiva. First deployed during the 1999 Kargil War, where it neutralized Pakistani positions on mountain tops, the Pinaka has evolved from its initial 38 km range (MK-I) to the 60 km MK-II and 75-90 km Guided Pinaka variants. The system, mounted on Tatra trucks for mobility, can fire a salvo of 12 rockets in 44 seconds, covering an area of 700 x 500 meters with devastating effect.
The Pinaka-MK3 and MK4 aim to transform this capability into a long-range, precision-strike platform. According to DRDO, the MK3, with a 120 km range, will retain the 214 mm calibre, ensuring compatibility with existing launchers, while the MK4, boasting a 300 km range, introduces advanced ramjet propulsion technology developed in collaboration with IIT Madras. These variants are designed to target troops, vehicles, communication centers, and ammunition dumps with enhanced accuracy and lethality.
Technical Advancements
The Pinaka-MK3, expected to commence developmental trials in October 2025, will feature a 7.2-meter rocket capable of carrying a 250 kg payload, reaching speeds of Mach 4.7 and altitudes of 40 km. The MK4, still in early development, aims for a 300 km range, positioning it as a strategic asset comparable to advanced global systems like Russia’s Smerch MBRL. A team led by Lieutenant General P.R. Shankar, former Director General of Artillery, is spearheading the integration of ramjet propulsion, which promises sustained thrust for extended ranges.
Recent successes, such as the November 2024 validation trials of the Guided Pinaka (75-90 km range), have bolstered confidence. These trials, conducted at Pokhran Range, demonstrated improved accuracy, consistency, and multi-target engagement in salvo mode, paving the way for imminent Indian Army orders, as per DRDO’s official X post on November 14, 2024. The Guided Pinaka’s success reflects DRDO’s focus on precision, a critical factor for the MK3 and MK4.
Private industry plays a significant role, with firms like Tata Power SED, Larsen & Toubro, Solar Industries, and Yantra India Limited contributing subsystems. In March 2025, ARDE signed a Licensing Agreement for Transfer of Technology (LAToT) with Pinaka Aerospace Solutions Pvt. Ltd., enhancing the industrial base for MBRL production, as noted in DRDO’s X post on May 30, 2025.
Strategic Significance
The Pinaka-MK3 and MK4 are poised to strengthen India’s deterrence along sensitive borders with China and Pakistan. Deployed since May 2020 along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, the Pinaka system has proven its operational value. The extended ranges of the new variants will enable deeper strikes, targeting strategic assets like command posts and supply lines, reducing reliance on air forces for long-range missions.
India’s defence exports, which reached ₹24,000 crore in FY 2024-25, include the Pinaka, with Armenia as a key buyer. The MK3 and MK4 could further boost exports, aligning with the government’s target of ₹50,000 crore by 2029. The systems’ development also supports India’s Defence Industrial Corridors in Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh, which have attracted significant investments, including ₹11,794 crore in Tamil Nadu alone as of 2024.
Challenges and Criticism
Despite enthusiasm, DRDO’s history of project delays raises concerns. Projects like the Arjun tank and Kaveri engine have faced decades-long setbacks, with the Light Combat Aircraft Tejas taking over 30 years to complete. Critics argue that overambitious scopes, changing requirements, and technical hurdles could delay the Pinaka-MK3 and MK4. The MK4’s ramjet technology, while promising, is complex and untested in operational Pinaka systems, potentially pushing induction beyond the projected 3-5 years.
Posts on X reflect mixed sentiment, with users like @MeghUpdates praising the 300 km range as a “game-changer” for India’s deterrence against Pakistan, China, and Turkey, while others question DRDO’s ability to meet timelines. The DRDO chief’s optimistic projection of induction within 3-5 years has fueled debate, given the agency’s track record.
Government and Industry Support
The Indian government has backed the Pinaka program with significant funding, including a ₹10,200 crore deal approved in 2025 for Pinaka ammunition, as reported by NewsBytes. The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) cleared the Guided Pinaka’s induction in September 2022, and a ₹30,000 crore proposal for additional acquisitions is under consideration, per Business Standard. These investments underscore the Pinaka’s strategic importance.
Private sector involvement, including Solar Industries’ successful trials of Pinaka MK-II in August 2020 and Tata’s delivery of 40 launchers by 2010, has reduced reliance on the Ordnance Factory Board, fostering competition and cost efficiency. The collaboration with IIT Madras for ramjet technology highlights DRDO’s efforts to leverage academic expertise.
Future Outlook
The Pinaka-MK3 and MK4 represent a bold step toward modernizing India’s artillery and achieving technological sovereignty. With developmental trials for the 120 km MK3 set for October 2025, and the 300 km MK4 targeted for induction within five years, DRDO aims to deliver systems that rival global MBRLs. Success hinges on overcoming technical challenges and adhering to timelines, a critical test for DRDO’s credibility.
As India navigates a volatile geopolitical landscape, the Pinaka’s enhanced capabilities will bolster its strategic posture, ensuring rapid, precise, and long-range responses to threats. The project’s progress will be closely watched, both domestically and internationally, as India strives to cement its place as a global defence powerhouse.
For updates, follow DRDO’s official announcements or visit www.drdo.gov.in.
Summary Table: Pinaka Variants
| Variant | Range | Status | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pinaka MK-I | 38 km | Operational | Free-flight, 100 kg payload |
| Pinaka MK-I Enhanced | 45 km | Operational | Improved range, area denial munitions |
| Pinaka MK-II | 60 km | Operational | Free-flight, used with existing launchers |
| Guided Pinaka | 75-90 km | Trials completed, orders soon | Precision guidance, multi-target engagement |
| Pinaka-MK3 | 120 km | Developmental trials Oct 2025 | 250 kg payload, 214 mm calibre, Mach 4.7 |
| Pinaka-MK4 | 300 km | Early development | Ramjet propulsion, strategic strike capability |
