- Contract Signing:
- The Defence Ministry signed contracts worth ₹10,147 crore for advanced ammunition for the Pinaka Multiple Rocket Launch System (MRLS).
- Deals were signed with Economic Explosives Limited (EEL) and Munitions India Limited (MIL).
Relevance : GS 3(Technology )
- Types of Ammunition Procured:
- Area Denial Munition (ADM) Type-1 – Used to disperse sub-munitions over a large area, targeting mechanized forces, vehicles, and personnel.
- High Explosive Pre-Fragmented (HEPF)-Mk-1 (enhanced) rockets – Improved lethality for the Pinaka MRLS.
- Strategic Significance:
- Enhances the range and firepower of the Pinaka MRLS.
- Upgraded Pinaka to be the mainstay of India’s long-range rocket artillery.
- Technological Advancements:
- Last November, DRDO successfully tested guided Pinaka rockets with a range of 75 km.
- Ongoing efforts to extend range to 120 km and further to 300 km.
- A Pinaka battery (214-mm MRLS) can launch 72 rockets within 44 seconds
- Software Upgrade:
- A separate contract was signed with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for Shakti software upgrades, likely enhancing fire control and operational efficiency.
Implications:
- Boosts India’s indigenous defence manufacturing under Atmanirbhar Bharat.
- Strengthens artillery capabilities against enemy forces along contested borders.
- Enhances India’s deterrence posture with improved precision-strike capabilities.
- Supports self-reliance in defence production by involving domestic firms.
This procurement marks a significant step in modernizing India’s artillery capabilities with enhanced range, precision, and operational flexibility.
