DRDO Unveils Pinaka III India’s Next-Gen 300mm Rocket System with 120km Range

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has officially revealed the latest and most advanced version of its Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher (MBRL) system. The new Pinaka III, which was showcased at a recent defence exhibition in Hyderabad, boasts a remarkable 120-kilometer range, significantly extending the Indian Army’s artillery strike capability.

The Pinaka III features a 300mm caliber rocket, a major upgrade from the previous 214mm versions, such as the Pinaka Mk-I (40 km range), Mk-II (60-90 km), and Guided Pinaka (75-90 km). The increased diameter allows for greater propellant capacity and more advanced guidance systems, enabling precision strikes at longer distances. The current limitation of 214mm rockets, even with guidance, has been approximately 90 km, making the new 300mm version a game-changer in battlefield artillery.

The Indian Army's demand for longer-range firepower comes in response to evolving regional security challenges. China has deployed 300mm PHL-03 launchers along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), with a range of 70-130 km, while Pakistan operates over 450 A-100 systems, capable of striking up to 120 km. With the Pinaka III, India not only matches but potentially outperforms these rival systems, securing a stronger strategic position.

India has relied on Russian-made Smerch MBRLs (90 km range) for long-range artillery, but the indigenous Pinaka III surpasses this range, offering a cost-effective and self-reliant alternative. The Army approved new Pinaka variants in 2021, emphasizing the need for extended-range artillery systems.

Beyond the Pinaka III, DRDO is reportedly working on an even longer-range variant with a potential range of 200-300 km, placing it in the league of short-range ballistic missiles like China’s PHL-16. If successful, this would transform the Pinaka system from a conventional MBRL into a powerful deep-strike weapon.

The Pinaka III is expected to carry a larger warhead, estimated at 250 kg, compared to the 100 kg warhead of the Mk-I. This increase in payload, coupled with modern guidance and propulsion systems, makes it suitable for both wide-area saturation attacks and precision strikes on high-value targets.

The Pinaka system has been in service since the late 1990s, with its rapid-fire capabilities providing crucial firepower on the battlefield. The latest iteration—Pinaka III—reinforces India’s commitment to developing advanced, indigenous defence technology and reducing dependence on foreign weapon systems.