India completes Flight Tests of Guided Pinaka Weapon System

India's DRDO has conducted flight tested Pinaka
India flight tests Pinaka. Photo Courtesy: PIB

India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Thursday successfully completed the Flight Tests of Guided Pinaka Weapon System, which was recently exported to Armenia, as part of Provisional Staff Qualitative Requirements (PSQR) Validation Trials.

The flight tests have been conducted in three phases at different field firing ranges.

“During these tests, the PSQR parameters viz., ranging, accuracy, consistency and rate of fire for multiple target engagement in a salvo mode have been assessed by extensive testing of rockets,” read a statement issued by the Indian government.

Twelve (12) rockets from each production agency from two in-service Pinaka launchers upgraded by the launcher production agencies have been tested.

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has complimented DRDO and the Indian Army for the successful PSQR Validation Trials of the system and stated that the induction of this Guided Pinaka Weapon System will further boost the artillery fire power of the Armed Forces.

According to reports,  Armenia has already bought these systems from India.

France is also evaluating the Pinaka system with sources indicating that they are interested in the guided version, reported The Print.