Historic arms deal: France wants India's 'Pinaka' rocket launcher

BENGALURU: France, which sells sophisticated weapons to countries around the world, will buy India's own multi-barrel rocket launcher named Pinaka. The deal is likely to be signed during the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris.

France is India's main defence partner. This is the first time they are buying weapons from us.

India is buying 26 Rafale-M fighter jets and three Scorpène-class submarines for the Navy from France. Three months ago, a French representative had visited the Nagpur factory and assessed the functioning of Pinaka. DRDO (Missiles Division) Director General Ummalaneni Raja Babu said that active discussions are underway for the deal. It was developed by DRDO.

Pinaka beats PULS

France was attracted by its low price (430 crores per unit) and high-precision strike capability. France initially considered Israel's PULS (Precise and Universal Launching System) multi-calibre rocket system but changed its mind after the Gaza war. Armenia bought four Pinaka rocket batteries for Rs 2000 crore. Countries like Indonesia, Nigeria, and Vietnam have expressed interest.

Fires in 44 seconds; 12 missiles

• The modified Pinaka rocket (Mark-II) system can be used to fire missiles at an enemy base 75 km away. Powerful in strike capability. Proven strong in the Kargil war
• 12 missiles in one launcher, 6 launchers in one battery. 12 missiles can be fired in 44 seconds. Operation is controlled by a fire control computer. It can be used in stand-alone mode, remote mode, manual mode, etc.
• An upgraded version with a range of 120 km is under development. Mark-I (40 km) and Mark-II (75 km) are currently in service.

India's Defence Exports

India exports defence equipment to over 100 countries. The target for defence exports is Rs 50,000 crore by 2029. 50% of India's imports including components of fighter jets are to the USA.

• BrahMos missile deal with the Philippines
• Israel buys small arms and drone parts