Pinaka is a multiple rocket launcher produced in India and developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for the Indian Army. The system has a maximum range of 39–40 km and can fire a salvo of 12 HE rockets in 44 seconds, neutralizing a target area of 3.9 km2. The system is mounted on a Tatra truck for mobility.
Pinaka is the name of the bow of Shiva.
Pinaka saw service during the Kargil War, where it was successful in neutralizing enemy positions on the mountain tops. It has since been inducted into the Indian Army in large numbers.
| Pinaka Multi Barrel Rocket Launcher | |
|---|---|
| Type | Rocket artillery |
| Place of origin |  India |
| Service history | |
| Used by | Indian Army |
| Wars | Kargil war |
| Production history | |
| Designer | DRDO |
| Designed | 1986 |
| Manufacturer | Larsen & Toubro Tata Group |
| Unit cost | $ 0.58 million |
| Produced | 1998 - Present |
| Number built | 80 |
| Variants | 40 km (25 mi) 120 km (75 mi) (In Development) |
| Specifications | |
| Caliber | 214 mm (8.4 in) |
| Barrels | 12 |
| Rate of fire | Rockets - 12 in < 44 sec |
| Maximum range | 40 km (25 mi) |
| Warhead weight | up to 250 kg (550 lb) |
| | |
| Engine | diesel |
| Speed | Launcher: 80 km/h (50 mph) |
Pinaka is a complete MBRL system, each Pinaka battery consists of: six launcher vehicles, each with 12 rockets; six loader-cum-replenishment vehicles; three replenishment vehicles; two Command Post vehicle (one stand by) with a Fire Control computer, and the DIGICORA MET radar. A battery of six launchers can neutralize an area of 1000 m x 800 m.
The Army generally deploys a battery that has a total of 72 rockets. All the 72 rockets can be fired in 44 seconds, taking out an area of 1 km2. Each launcher can fire in a different direction too. The system has the flexibility to fire all the rockets in one go or only a few.
This is made possible with a fire control computer. There is a command post linking together all the six launchers in a battery. Each launcher has an individual computer, which enables it to function autonomously in case it gets separated from the other five vehicles in a war.
K.J. Daniel, Project Director, Pinaka, calls it “a system” and explains how massive each system is. A Pinaka battery has six launchers, six loader vehicles, six replenishment vehicles, two vehicles for ferrying the command post and a vehicle for carrying the meteorological radar, which will provide data on winds.
Modes of operation
The launcher can operate in the following modes:
Autonomous mode. The launcher is fully controlled by a fire control computer (FCC). The microprocessor on the launcher automatically executes the commands received from the FCC, giving the operator the status of the system on displays and indicators.
Stand-alone mode: In this mode, the launcher is not linked to the FCC operator, and the operator at the console enters all the commands for laying of the launcher system and selection of firing parameters.
Remote mode: In this mode, a remote control unit carried outside the cabin up to a distance of about 200 m can be used to control the launcher system, the launcher site and to unload the fired rocket pods from the launcher.
Manual mode: All launcher operations including laying of the system and firing are manually controlled. This mode is envisaged in the situations where the microprocessor fails or where there is no power to activate the microprocessor-based operator’s console.
The Pinaka was tested in the Kargil conflict and proved its effectiveness. Since then it has been inducted into the Indian Army and series production has been ordered. The Pinaka MBRL is stated to be cheaper than other systems. It costs 
23 million per system compared to the M270 which costs 195 million.
- Salient features
- Use of state-of-the-art technologies for improved combat performance
- Total operational time optimised for shoot & scoot capability
- Cabin pressurisation for crew protection in addition to blast shields
- Microprocessor-based fully automatic positioning and fire control console
- Night vision devices for driver and crew
- Neutralisation/destruction of the exposed troop concentrations, ‘B’ vehicles and other such soft targets
- Neutralisation of enemy guns/rocket locations
- Laying of antipersonnel and antitank mines at a short notice.
