DRDO successfully test-fires Pinaka, 122 mm Caliber rockets

What is the News?  

Defence Research and Development Organisation(DRDO) has successfully test fired an enhanced range version of Pinaka rocket and 122 mm Caliber rocket at Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur off the coast of Odisha.  

About Pinaka Rocket:  

• Pinaka is a multi-barrel rocket-launcher (MBRL) system named after Shiva’s bow.  
• Purpose: It is a long range artillery system used for attacking the enemy before the close battles.   
• Origin: The development of the Pinaka was started by the DRDO in the late 1980s. It is an alternative to the multi-barrel rocket launching systems of Russian make called ‘Grad’.  

Enhanced Version of Pinaka Rocket:  

• Developed by: It has been developed jointly by Pune-based DRDO labs Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) ,and High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL) with manufacturing support from Economic Explosives Limited, Nagpur.   
• Range: The enhanced range version can destroy targets at distances up to 45 km.  
• Moreover, these enhanced version of Pinaka will replace the Pinaka Mk-1 missiles which are currently used by regiments of the Indian Army along India’s frontiers with China and Pakistan.  

Enhanced Version of 122mm Calibre Rockets:  

• Developed by: It has been developed jointly by Pune-based DRDO labs Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) ,and High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL) with manufacturing support from Economic Explosives Limited, Nagpur.   
• Range: These rockets have been developed for Army applications. It can destroy targets up to 40 km.  
• These rockets would replace the existing 122 mm Grad rockets.  

Source: Business Standard