India Offers Pinaka Rocket System to Strengthen Defence Ties

Why in News?

India has offered the Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher (MBRL) to France, strengthening bilateral defence ties. Discussions between PM Modi and President Macron also covered submarine collaboration, missile systems, jet engines, counter-terrorism efforts, and India’s inclusion in the Eurodrone programme.

India Offers Pinaka Rocket System to Strengthen Defence Ties

Expansion of Defence Cooperation:

  • India has offered the Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher (MBRL) to France as part of ongoing defence collaboration.
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Emmanuel Macron discussed strengthening defence and security ties during their recent talks.
  • The Pinaka system, developed by DRDO for the Indian Army, was first exported to Armenia in 2023 under a $245-million deal.
  • Several other nations, including Indonesia and Nigeria, have also expressed interest in acquiring the system.
  • Modi invited the French Army to evaluate the Pinaka MBRL, highlighting its potential to enhance Indo-French defence ties.

Defence Projects and Technological Collaboration

  • France is one of India’s closest strategic partners in Europe, supplying combat jets and submarines over the years.
  • Both sides are negotiating for 26 Rafale-M jets and three Scorpene submarines for the Indian Navy.
  • Discussions are ongoing for integrating DRDO’s Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system and the Integrated Combat System (ICS) into future submarines.
  • Talks also cover missile systems, helicopter engines, and jet engine development in collaboration with Safran Group.
  • India has been included as an observer in the Eurodrone programme, marking another step in bilateral defence cooperation.

Counter-Terrorism and Strategic Cooperation

  • Both leaders condemned terrorism, including cross-border terrorism, and stressed disrupting terror financing networks.
  • They called for sanctions on terrorist groups under UN Security Council guidelines.
  • India and France reaffirmed their commitment to multilateral efforts like the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and No Money for Terror (NMFT)
  • The FRIND-X program, launched in December, aims to promote defence innovation and technology partnerships.

Pinaka Multiple Rocket Launch System (MRLS):

  • Battle-proven, all-weather Artillery Weapon System designed for indirect area fire.
  • Developed by DRDO’s Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE).
  • First used during the Kargil War, effectively neutralizing Pakistan Army positions.

Key Features:

  • Quick response and high accuracy enable rapid strikes on enemy targets.
  • Each launcher carries 12 rockets; a battery has six launchers (72 rockets total).
  • Can fire high-explosive and submunition warheads.
  • Range: 60 to 75 km.
  • The Pinaka-Guided version uses INS/GPS navigation for precision.
  • Mounted on a Tatra truck for mobility.