The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) just changed the artillery game. They have successfully tested the Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR) from Chandipur, Odisha.
Why this matters: It doubles our strike range. We can now hit high-value enemy targets—like bunkers, fuel depots, and logistics convoys—from 120 km away with precision.

| System Name | Pinaka (Named after the bow of Lord Shiva) |
| Type | MBRL (Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher). It can fire a salvo of 12 rockets in 44 seconds. |
| Developer | ARDE ( Armament Research & Development Establishment), Pune |
| Variants & Ranges | 1. Pinaka Mk-1: 37.5 km 2. Pinaka Mk-2: 60 km 3. Pinaka LRGR: 120 km |
| Vehicle | Mounted on a Tatra truck for high mobility in rough terrain |
| Guiding System | Uses a navigation system aided by IRNSS (NavIC), India’s on GPS |
Do you know the difference between a Missile and a Rocket?
- Missiles are usually guided throughout their flight path (can change direction mid-air).
- Rockets are usually unguided (fired like a bullet).
- Exception: The new Pinaka is a “Guided Rocket,” blurring the lines to offer precision at a lower cost than a full missile.
Why it matters?
- Non-Contact Warfare: Future wars won’t be fought chest-to-chest. With a 120 km range, we can hit enemy logistics nodes behind the mountains without exposing our troops.
- Export Potential: Armenia has already ordered the Pinaka system. This successful test makes Indian weaponry more attractive to other nations (Philippines, Vietnam), boosting our defence exports.
#DRDO successfully conducts the maiden flight test of Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR) at Integrated Test Range, Chandipur.
— Defence Direct Education (@DefenceDirect) December 29, 2025
The rocket was tested for its maximum range of 120 kms demonstrating all in-flight manoeuvres as planned. pic.twitter.com/NzIRtNzLlf
SSB Corner: How to Use This in Your Interview
Topic: “Self-Reliance in Defence (Atmanirbhar Bharat)” When asked about India’s indigenous capabilities in your Interview or Lecturette.
As an example, “Sir, India is moving from being a buyer to a builder. A prime example is the recent success of the Pinaka Long Range Rocket. It was developed entirely by DRDO’s ARDE lab and significantly enhances our artillery firepower without relying on foreign imports. It also saves foreign exchange and opens doors for defence exports to friendly nations like Armenia.”
Which laboratory of DRDO is primarily responsible for the development of the Pinaka MBRL system?
- a. DRDL, Hyderabad
- b. ARDE, Pune
- c. ADE, Bengaluru
- d. HVF, Avadi

Do you think Indigenous weapons like Pinaka are better than importing high-tech gear from other countries? Drop your thoughts in the comment box.
Keep your josh high! Jai Hind!


