On August 31, 2020, the Ministry of Defence signed contracts worth Rs 2,580 crores to boost Make in India. The contracts were signed for supply of six Pinaka Regiments to the Indian Army.
Highlights
The contracts were signed with Tata Power Company, Bharat Earth Movers Limited and Larsen and Toubro. The Pinaka Regiments comprised of 114 launchers with Automated Gun Aiming and Positioning System. The six Pinaka regiments are to be operationalised along the Northern and Eastern borders of the country. It will enhance the operation preparedness of Indian Army.
The induction of the six Pinaka regiments is to be completed by 2024.
DRDO
The Pinaka multiple launch rocket system was indigenously designed and developed by DRDO. It is a flagship project that showcases public private partnership enabling Atma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan.
What is Pinaka?
Pinaka is a multiple rocket launcher that was designed and developed by DRDO. It has maximum range of 40 km for Mark-I and 75 km for Mark II. Pinaka was used in Kargil war and was successful in neutralising enemy positions.
Deployment
Pinaka is to be operated in conjunction with Swathi Weapon Locating Radar. Swati was developed by India. It locates incoming artillery and determines point of origin to counter battery fire.
Recent developments
Pinaka II is a guided missile. It is being developed at Armament Research and Development Establishment, Pune. It is equipped with control kit and navigation guidance. It was successfully tested in Chandipur in 2013.
Way forward
Israel has joined hands with DRDO to implement the Trajectory Correction System on Pinaka. There are also plans to integrate Unmanned Aerial Vehicles with Pinaka.
Background
India is currently pushing Make in India initiative after 20 Indian soldiers were killed in a violent face off with the Chinese troops in Ladakh. It is the most aggressive encounter with China since 1962 war. Also, India is the second largest importer of defence goods. Thus, the defence ministry is trying to cut the imports by boosting domestic manufacturers.
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