30 Jan , 2025 By : Debdeep Gupta
The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has cleared a major procurement deal worth Rs 10,000 crore for the Pinaka rocket launcher system, assigning Solar Industries as one of the manufacturers, a report by news agency ANI said on January 30, quoting defence sources.
The report added that the project would be divided between Solar Industries and Munitions India Limited (MIL), a former Ordnance Factory Board company.
Shares of Solar Industries, a leading explosives and ammunition manufacturer, were higher by over 5% on January 30 on the likely go-ahead to undertake production of these systems.
The induction of Pinaka rocket systems is expected to ramp up the Indian Army's artillery capabilities, especially in high-altitude regions along the northern borders. Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi had said earlier this month that the contract for Pinaka rocket systems was expected to be cleared by the Cabinet soon. The order includes Rs 5,700 crore for high-explosive ammunition along with Rs 4,500 crore for area denial munitions.
This development also aligns with the government's initiative to promote self-reliance in defence manufacturing and reduce dependence on the import of weapon systems.
About Pinaka
Pinaka is a fully indigenous weapon system designed and developed by the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) in collaboration with the Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL), and Proof & Experimental Establishment (PXE).
The system’s capability to deliver precise strikes at high altitudes has made it one of the most advanced artillery rocket systems globally. With countries such as France and Armenia already expressing interest, the Pinaka system is expected to become a key asset in the international defence landscape.
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