Test Firing of Guided PINAKA Successful Again

India’s missile manufacturing facility DRDO successfully test fired the Guided PINAKA from Launch Complex-III, ITR, Chandipur today (Jan 21, 2017) at 12:45 PM for further enhanced range, making it useful with more accuracy now.

PINAKA Rocket Mark-II, equipped with navigation, guidance and control kit, is transformed to a Guided PINAKA to enhance the range and improve the accuracy. The Radars, Electro Optical and Telemetry Systems at ITR Chandipur tracked and monitored the vehicle all through the flight path, said a statement by DRDO.

The guided PINAKA is developed jointly by ARDE Pune, RCI and DRDL, Hyderabad, while ITR, Chandipur provided the range and launch support.

DRDO chief Dr G Satheesh Reddy who was present during the launch operations said that the success of Guided PINAKA has reinforced the technological strength of the country in converting unguided systems into weapons of high precision.

Director ARDE, Pune Dr KM Rajan, Director, RCI, Hyderabad Mr. BHVS Narayana Murthy, Director, ITR, Chandipur Dr BK Das, Director HEMRL, Pune Mr. KPS Murthy and, Director PXE, Chandipur Mr. R Appavuraj monitored the Launch operations.

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar congratulated both the Army and the DRDO for developing the Guided PINAKA in a very short span of time. Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr S Christopher applauded this shining example of the synergy between the Armed Forces.

The Deputy Chief of Army Staff (P&S) Lt Gen Subrata Saha, DG Artillery Lt Gen PK Srivastava and other Senior Army Officers witnessed the successful launch.