JAISALMER: A significant milestone in India’s indigenous defence capabilities was achieved at the Pokhran Field Firing Range in Jaisalmer district on Wednesday, where the maiden proof trial of the Pinaka Extended Range Rocket was successfully conducted. A total of 24 rockets were fired to evaluate their accuracy, consistency and lethality.Senior officials of the Indian Army, along with company experts and scientists, were present during the trial. The results were found to be highly satisfactory, further strengthening India’s rocket artillery capabilities.
Officials said India’s defence manufacturing capabilities received a major boost as Solar Industries India Limited (Solar Group) successfully conducted the maiden proof trial of two production lots of Pinaka Extended Range Rockets.The trial was carried out at the strategically important Pokhran Field Firing Range in Jaisalmer district, a key testing ground for advanced weapon systems.According to the company, a total of 24 Pinaka Extended Range rockets were test-fired during the exercise to evaluate their performance under field conditions.During the trial, rockets were fired at varying distances and under different conditions to ensure reliability across scenarios. All rockets performed in line with expected parameters, demonstrating effective target engagement capability. Detailed technical analysis was also conducted after the trial to validate performance metrics.The tests focused on critical parameters such as accuracy, consistency and lethality. Officials stated that the rockets demonstrated strong performance across all benchmarks, reaffirming the reliability and effectiveness of the system. This maiden proof trial is particularly significant as it involved production batches, indicating readiness for induction and operational deployment.The Pinaka Extended Range Rocket System is an advanced version of the existing Pinaka Multi Barrel Rocket Launcher, which has already been inducted into the Indian Army.The upgraded system offers enhanced strike range and improved precision, significantly boosting the Army’s long-range firepower capabilities.Developed as part of India’s push for self-reliance in defence under the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, the Pinaka system has emerged as a key component of indigenous artillery strength. The successful trials by Solar Group highlight the growing role of private sector participation in defence manufacturing, complementing efforts led by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).Defence experts believe that the successful validation of production lots will accelerate large-scale manufacturing and future exports of the Pinaka system. With increasing global interest in cost-effective and reliable artillery solutions, India is positioning itself as a competitive player in the international defence market.The successful completion of these trials at Pokhran not only underscores technological advancement but also reinforces India’s commitment to strengthening its indigenous defence capabilities and achieving greater strategic autonomy.
