India Boosts Defense Power Along China Border with 2 New Pinaka Rocket Regiment

Defense News ,India :- The Indian Army is strengthening its firepower along the China border by adding two new regiments of Pinaka Multi Launch Rocket Systems. These advanced rockets, created by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), can deliver a large amount of precise firepower quickly into enemy territory.

According to sources, the new regiments will be ready within the year, with personnel currently undergoing training. Despite the initial plan being for completion in 2024, the process is advancing faster than expected.

Tensions persist along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), leading to precautionary deployments since the 2020 standoff in Eastern Ladakh. As part of the six planned Pinaka regiments, these rocket systems will be stationed on the northern borders with China. The Indian Army currently operates four Pinaka regiments along the western border with Pakistan and the northern border with China.

In the artillery world, a unit is called a regiment, consisting of three batteries with six Pinaka launchers each. A single battery can launch 72 rockets in 44 seconds, covering an area of 1000m by 800m. An upgraded version of the Pinaka ammunition can reach up to 75km with high precision.

The Defence Acquisition Council approved six additional Pinaka regiments in 2018, with contracts signed in 2020 for their supply. These rockets will enhance the Army’s long-range offensive capabilities, complementing existing artillery such as Bofors and Ultra Light Howitzer M777.

The introduction of Pinaka marks a step towards phasing out old Russian Grad BM-21 rocket systems. The Indian Army aims to have 22 regiments of Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launch systems equipped with automated aiming and positioning systems, replacing the outdated Grad systems.

In the realm of long-range rocket artillery, the Pinaka system is poised to become the backbone of the Indian Army’s firepower arsenal.

Key Points:

• Training for new regiments is underway, set to be completed within the year.
• Each artillery consists of three batteries of six Pinaka launchers.
• A single battery can launch 72 rockets in 44 seconds.
• The upgraded Pinaka ammunition has a range of up to 75km with high precision.
• The Indian Army currently operates four Pinaka regiments along the Pak border and the northern border with China.
• The deployment complements existing artillery like Bofors and Howitzer.
• Contracts for six regiments were signed in 2020 at an approximate cost of Rs 2580 crore.
• The goal is to phase out Grad BM-21 rocket systems for Pinaka.