In a significant development for India's defence sector, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh officially flagged off the first batch of guided Pinaka rocket systems from a facility in Nagpur on Sunday. This shipment marks a major milestone as the advanced multi-barrel rocket launchers head to Armenia, showcasing India's expanding capabilities in arms exports.
Pinaka System: A Game-Changer in Defence Technology
The Pinaka rocket launcher has earned a strong reputation for its impressive accuracy and extended range capabilities. Variants of this system can effectively strike targets at distances up to 75 kilometers. Recent trial versions have even demonstrated the potential to reach ranges of 120 kilometers, making it a highly sought-after weapon system in modern warfare.
Rajnath Singh emphasized that the export of these missiles, developed at the Solar Defence & Aerospace facility, clearly demonstrates the growing prowess of India's defence industry. "India is no longer just an importer but is rapidly moving towards becoming an exporter," he stated confidently during the flag-off ceremony.
Record Growth in Defence Production and Exports
The minister provided compelling statistics that highlight India's remarkable transformation in defence manufacturing. A decade ago, defence exports stood at less than Rs 1,000 crore. Today, they have soared to an impressive record of Rs 24,000 crore.
Domestic defence production tells an equally impressive story. In 2014, production values reached just Rs 46,425 crore. Current figures show production has multiplied to reach a record Rs 1.51 lakh crore. This dramatic growth reflects increasing participation from the private sector in defence manufacturing.
Pinaka's Evolution and Army Integration
The Indian Army has already integrated the Pinaka Mk-I Enhanced variant into its arsenal after successful trials concluded in April 2022. Originally designed with a 37.5-kilometer range, the system has undergone substantial upgrades over time to deliver greater range and enhanced effectiveness.
The Army is now pursuing an ambitious proposal worth approximately Rs 2,500 crore to induct rockets with a 120-kilometer strike range. Trials for these extended-range rockets were conducted in December 2025. Remarkably, these new rockets can be launched from the same launcher that currently handles 40-kilometer and 75-plus kilometer variants.
The Armenia Deal and Delivery Timeline
Armenia formalized its interest in Indian defence systems by signing a substantial agreement worth Rs 2,000 crore (approximately $250 million) with India in September 2022. This comprehensive deal included:
- Four Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher batteries
- Anti-tank rockets
- Ammunition
- Various supporting equipment
The agreement specifically included multi-barrel launch systems along with guided rockets designed to enhance precision strike capabilities. Deliveries of initial Pinaka unguided systems commenced in July 2023 and concluded by November 2024. The recent flag-off ceremony marks the beginning of guided rocket deliveries from the Nagpur facility.
International Interest and Historical Context
While Armenia represents the first confirmed buyer of the Pinaka system, several other nations have expressed keen interest in acquiring this advanced technology. Potential buyers include countries in Southeast Asia and European nations like France.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) initiated development of the Pinaka system in the late 1980s. Engineers designed it as an indigenous alternative to Russian-made multi-barrel rocket launching systems like the 'Grad,' which remain in service today. DRDO now produces Pinaka systems with support from several Indian entities:
- Tata Advanced Systems
- Solar Industries
- Munitions India Ltd
- Economic Explosives Ltd
Broader Export Portfolio: The Akash Missile Shield
Beyond the Pinaka system, India is actively promoting its indigenous Akash missile shield for international exports. The world witnessed the system's capabilities during Operation Sindoor, which generated significant global interest.
Armenia again emerged as the first international buyer, receiving its first Akash battery in November 2024 under a substantial $720 million deal for 15 missile systems. Armenia faces ongoing border conflicts with Azerbaijan, making advanced defence systems particularly valuable.
Other nations have shown strong interest in the Akash shield as well. The Philippines, Brazil, Egypt, and Vietnam have all expressed potential interest in acquiring this missile defence technology, indicating growing international confidence in Indian defence systems.
