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The French Army has demonstrated a sustained and serious interest in acquiring India’s indigenous Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher (MBRL) system.
This attention is particularly focused on the next-generation guided variants currently being advanced by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
French military officials are closely monitoring the development of the Pinaka Mk3 program, which aims to achieve extended ranges of 120–130 km with high-precision guidance, as they seek immediate solutions to address critical gaps in their long-range artillery capabilities.
Evolution of the Pinaka System
Developed by DRDO’s Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), the Pinaka system has undergone significant evolution since its origins in the 1980s.While the initial versions were unguided area saturation weapons, the current in-service variants include guided rockets capable of striking targets at ranges of 75–90 km.
These modern iterations feature advanced inertial navigation systems aiding Global Positioning System (GPS) integration to ensure high accuracy.
The ongoing Mk3 project is designed to push this envelope further, targeting a range of approximately 120 km, with enhanced propulsion and guidance kits potentially extending its reach to nearly 130 km.
Urgent French Operational Requirements
France's intensifying scrutiny of the Indian system stems from an urgent operational necessity.The French Army is currently facing a capability void as it looks to replace its aging Lance-Roquettes Unitaire (LRU) systems—an upgraded European version of the American M270 MLRS.
The fleet has faced attrition issues, further compounded by the depletion of artillery stocks due to military aid provided to Ukraine.
Consequently, Paris requires a mobile, rapid-fire artillery solution that can be deployed quickly to restore its deep-strike capabilities before indigenous European programs mature.
Evaluations and High-Level Interest
French interest has moved beyond mere speculation to active evaluation.Following demonstrations of the Pinaka system to high-ranking delegations during visits to India in 2024 and 2025, Brigadier General Stephane Richou publicly confirmed that the French Army is evaluating the platform.
He noted that the system aligns well with France's requirement for highly mobile artillery. This sentiment was echoed by France’s Army Chief, General Pierre Schill, who expressed keenness on long-range Indian systems as a viable interim option while domestic French programs, such as the Thundart and Foudre projects, aim for operational capability by 2026 and beyond.
Strategic Advantages and Performance
The Pinaka system offers several distinct advantages that make it an attractive proposition for European buyers. It is battle-tested, having proven its efficacy during the Kargil War, and is capable of firing a salvo of 12 rockets in just 44 seconds.The modern guided versions offer a Circular Error Probable (CEP) as low as 10 metres, prioritizing precision strikes over traditional area saturation—a key requirement for the modern battlefield.
Furthermore, the system is viewed as a cost-effective alternative to reliable but expensive western counterparts like the HIMARS, offering comparable performance at a more sustainable price point.
Future Prospects and Indo-French Cooperation
While France continues to prioritize strategic autonomy through its own industrial solutions, the Pinaka is being actively assessed as a complementary or interim acquisition to bridge immediate capability gaps.This potential procurement highlights the deepening defence cooperation between New Delhi and Paris.
India has offered the system directly and is exploring opportunities for co-development, positioning the Pinaka Mk3 not just as an artillery asset, but as a symbol of India's rising stature in the global defence technology market.
Successful user trials and the integration of advanced navigation technologies from DRDO’s Research Centre Imarat continue to bolster the system's export prospects.
