Pinaka is a multiple rocket launcher developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of India for the Indian Army. It has a maximum range of 40 km for Mark-I and 60 km for Mark-I enhanced version, and can fire a salvo of 12 rockets in 44 seconds. The system is mounted on a Tatra truck for mobility.
Pinaka saw service during the Kargil War, where it was successful in combating Pakistani positions on the mountain tops. It has since been inducted into the Indian Army in large numbers.
Every year 5,000 missiles are produced.
An advanced variant is under development with enhanced range and accuracy.
Each Pinaka consists six launcher vehicles, each with 12 rockets, six loader-replenishment vehicles, three replenishment vehicles, two Command Post vehicle with a Fire Control computer, and the DM radar. A battery of six launchers can cover 800,000 sq m.
The Army deploys a battery that has a total of 72 rockets fired in 44 seconds in different directions, taking out an area of 1 km2. A fire control computer makes all this possible. A command post links together all the six launchers in a battery.
