Context
- Recently, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted a flight test of the Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR) from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, Odisha.
What is the Pinaka Rocket System?
- Pinaka is an indigenously developed Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL) system.
- Developed by DRDO with production support from Indian defence industries.
- Designed to provide rapid, high-volume artillery fire against enemy positions.
- Named after “Pinaka”, the divine bow of Lord Shiva.
- Replaces older Soviet-origin Grad rocket systems in the Indian Army.
What is the Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR)?
- The Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR) is the latest precision-guided member of the Pinaka family.
- Features
- Guided artillery rocket with improved accuracy.
- Equipped with an advanced navigation and guidance system.
- Capable of precision strikes against strategic targets.
- Can be launched from the existing Pinaka launcher without major modifications.
- Currently tested minimum operational range: 60 km.
- Future upgraded version is expected to have a range of up to 120 km
Pinaka Variants
| Variant | Approximate Range |
| Pinaka Mk-I | 37–40 km |
| Pinaka Enhanced Range (ER) | ~45 km |
| Guided Pinaka | ~75 km |
| Pinaka LRGR | 60 km (minimum tested); future versions up to 120 km |
| DRDO at a Glance: Full Form: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Established: 1 January 1958 Ministry: Ministry of Defence Headquarters: New Delhi Role: India’s premier defence R&D agency, responsible for developing indigenous defence technologies, missiles, weapons systems, combat vehicles, aircraft, naval systems, and electronic warfare technologies. |
With reference to the Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR), consider the following statements:
1. The Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR) is a surface-to-surface ballistic missile developed by DRDO.
2. It can be launched from the existing in-service Pinaka launcher without major modifications.
3. The recent flight test of the Pinaka LRGR was conducted at the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, Odisha.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only
Explanation:
• Statement 1is Incorrect: The Pinaka LRGR is a precision-guided artillery rocket, not a surface-to-surface ballistic missile.
• Statement 2 is Correct: It can be fired from the existing in-service Pinaka launcher, demonstrating compatibility with current launcher platforms.
• Statement 3 is Correct: The flight test was conducted at the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, Odisha.