The Indian Army is poised to significantly bolster its artillery firepower with the acquisition of advanced munitions for its Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL) system.
Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi announced that two critical contracts, totaling Rs 10,200 crore, are expected to be finalized before the end of the fiscal year on March 31st.
The first contract, valued at Rs 5,700 crore, will provide the army with high-explosive pre-fragmented shells designed to inflict maximum damage upon impact.
These shells, with a range of 45 kilometers, are particularly effective against enemy personnel and light armored vehicles. This procurement will substantially enhance the striking range and destructive potential of the Pinaka MBRL system.
The second contract, worth Rs 4,500 crore, focuses on acquiring area denial munitions with a range of 37 kilometers. These munitions are designed to saturate a target area with a multitude of bomblets, including anti-tank and anti-personnel mines.
This capability creates a lethal barrier, effectively denying enemy forces access to or movement within the affected zone. This strategic advantage allows for greater flexibility and responsiveness in battlefield operations.
The Pinaka MBRL system, a product of India's indigenous defence research and development, is produced by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) and Tata Power SED.
This system, renowned for its rapid-fire capability, delivers a powerful and concentrated barrage of rockets, providing crucial fire support to ground forces.
