Indian Army Favors 300km Variant of Guided Pinaka Rockets Over Costly Tactical Missiles, Complementing Pralay at Border

In a strategic shift aimed at maximizing firepower while minimizing expenditure, the Indian Army is prioritizing the indigenously developed Guided Pinaka rocket system over the acquisition of expensive tactical missiles.

This decision comes as DRDO has been given the green light to develop two extended-range variants of the Pinaka, with ranges of 120 kilometers and 300 kilometers, respectively. Both will feature advanced guidance systems for enhanced precision.

Of particular interest to the Army is the 300km variant, which utilizes a larger 300mm diameter rocket. This increased size allows for a greater payload capacity while maintaining compatibility with existing Pinaka launchers, including those deployed in challenging high-altitude environments along India's borders.

This development reflects the Army's pursuit of cost-effective solutions that can fulfill a dual role: providing conventional firepower and potentially acting as a delivery system for tactical nuclear weapons if the strategic situation demands it.

The Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL) system has a proven track record with the Indian Army, demonstrating its effectiveness in conventional warfare scenarios like the Kargil War.

While upgrades have steadily increased its range and accuracy, the new 300km Guided Pinaka variant represents a significant leap forward. It promises the extended reach and precision necessary for strategic operations, potentially mirroring the capabilities of the short-range tactical missile Pralay, which has seen limited production due to cost constraints.

Pralay, a quasi-ballistic missile capable of carrying conventional or nuclear warheads, offers a range of 150km to 500km. However, its high cost and the need for a more versatile and affordable option for both conventional and nuclear roles have led to a scaling back of its production.

The 300km Guided Pinaka variant could bridge this gap, providing a cost-effective alternative with comparable strategic reach. Crucially, it can be deployed from the Army's existing Pinaka launch platforms, further enhancing its operational flexibility.

The Army's enthusiasm for the 300km Guided Pinaka stems from its potential to function as a precision "missile" for deep strikes against high-value targets such as enemy infrastructure, command centers, and troop concentrations. This capability could reshape tactical doctrines, providing Indian forces with enhanced operational flexibility and a credible deterrent against potential adversaries.

 

[Devasahayam]

How about work on 300 km range unguided version immediately, parallel that with a 600 km guided -- then follow up with 600 km unguided?

 

[abhinav srivastava]

Pakistan locally manufactures A100 MBRL with 12O km range. We are trying to catchup now. DRDO asked for developing such a mbrl 15 years ago but it was denied.

 

[Rinku Pandey]

Pakistan locally manufactures A100 MBRL with 12O km range. We are trying to catchup now. DRDO asked for developing such a mbrl 15 years ago but it was denied.

Because Army didn't have funds hence they denied. 40% of Army's budget goes into pay and pensions. Every in small countries like Pakistan, pensions don't come out of Defence budget.

 

[Kira]

I believe tactical missiles do serve their own roles though somewhat differing from rocket artillery.

 

[Sommyarup Roy]

I mean rockets are exactly that, cheaper versions of missiles to launch in barrages because of cost effectiveness. They should have thought this before.

 

[kumar]

Because Army didn't have funds hence they denied. 40% of Army's budget goes into pay and pensions. Every in small countries like Pakistan, pensions don't come out of Defence budget.

We have funds for imports, as stated by def secretary.

 

[Swapy]

Because Army didn't have funds hence they denied. 40% of Army's budget goes into pay and pensions. Every in small countries like Pakistan, pensions don't come out of Defence budget.

DM gives nod for immediate procurement and budget also. IA always goes for costly options. Striker, Apache are good examples. IAF and IA have a mindset to complain about domestic products and go for expensive import alternatives.

 

[Akshat]

We have funds for imports, as stated by def secretary.

Lies. In the last 2 years, 100% of the orders from Indian Army are being placed solely with Indian firms. Of course, some are for foreign systems made in India, usually done by the OFBs and other DPSUs. But the army itself is placing 100% orders with Indian companies. Go and get your facts right first.

 

[Akshat]

DM gives nod for immediate procurement and budget also. IA always goes for costly options. Striker, Apache are good examples. IAF and IA have a mindset to complain about domestic products and go for expensive import alternatives.

How many Strikers have been ordered? Has even a simple tender been issued? Get your facts right before blabbering and bad mouthing our brave soldiers.

 

[Akshat]

I believe tactical missiles do serve their own roles though somewhat differing from rocket artillery.

Assuming a similar, if not same, CEP, and similar range, what will be the difference between tactical missiles and rockets? Especially, what will be the advantage of a tactical missile over rockets?

 

[Swapy]

Pinaka is one of the best weapon DRDO has developed. They have some export orders also. Army should induct this in max number as these are cost effective solution in conventional warfare. China have their own rocket force with good range and numbers. India should follow it. We don't need to always go for expensive import weaponry when domestic alternative available.

 

[PRASANTh]

Assuming a similar, if not same, CEP, and similar range, what will be the difference between tactical missiles and rockets? Especially, what will be the advantage of a tactical missile over rockets?

Interception probability for starters.

 

[Akshat]

Interception probability for starters.

Well Pralay (or American ATACMS for that matter) is also a ballistic missile. So the path followed by both the rocket and the missile will be parabolic. So how does the interception probability vary in this case?

 

[Shrujanam Syama]

India has Prahaar missiles for 150km range. It doesn't make sense to say Pinaka with a longer range will be cheaper.

 

[Shrujanam Syama]

Because Army didn't have funds hence they denied. 40% of Army's budget goes into pay and pensions. Every in small countries like Pakistan, pensions don't come out of Defence budget.

Just because pensions and pay are part of defence budget doesn't mean that there is shortage of funds. Including pay & pension is just a matter of accounting. The overall budget is not reduced to carve out these payments.

India has Prahaar missiles for 150km range and there is no reason to make 300mm pinakas as they will be as expensive as prahaar missile due to larger size. In addition, it will be extra cost for development. Prahaar missiles can simply be mass manufactured instead. India has an export variant called Pragati with reduced guidance & non-nuclear payload which will have lower cost. India doesn't need 120+ range Pinaka

 

[Kira]

Assuming a similar, if not same, CEP, and similar range, what will be the difference between tactical missiles and rockets? Especially, what will be the advantage of a tactical missile over rockets?

Speed and explosive payload would be higher for a ballistic missile as compared to a rocket. Although they would be costlier and larger in size too.

 

[Kira]

Well Pralay (or American ATACMS for that matter) is also a ballistic missile. So the path followed by both the rocket and the missile will be parabolic. So how does the interception probability vary in this case?

I believe the ballistic missile would be faster,so little difficult to intercept, while the rocket artillery rounds would be too numerous to do in real time.

 

[Bhishma]

We need an anti-ship version for Pinaka. It should be possible with minor adjustments, i.e., install an IR/anti-radiation seeker. This can be exported to Vietnam, the Philippines, and Indonesia.

 

[PRASANTh]

Well Pralay (or American ATACMS for that matter) is also a ballistic missile. So the path followed by both the rocket and the missile will be parabolic. So how does the interception probability vary in this case?

Different terminal velocities of Pralay and Pinaka.

 

[Swapy]

How many Strikers have been ordered? Has even a simple tender been issued? Get your facts right before blabbering and bad mouthing our brave soldiers.

The Striker deal is on hold due to Canadian relations. Is it not imported? Are they not looking for it? We have many examples where we chose imported weapons over domestic ones. But now, slowly, things are changing. I have no intention to insult our brave soldiers. You have taken it wrong.