DRDO Successfully Tests Pinaka Long-Range Guided Rocket with 120 km Strike

NEW DELHI: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Monday successfully conducted the maiden flight test of the Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR-120) at the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur.

Tested for its maximum range of 120 kilometres, the rocket performed all in-flight manoeuvres as planned and struck the designated target with pinpoint accuracy. All range instruments deployed during the trial tracked the rocket throughout its entire trajectory, officials said.

The LRGR-120 has been developed by the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) in collaboration with the High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL), with support from the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) and Research Centre Imarat (RCI).

The flight trial was coordinated by ITR, Chandipur, and the Proof & Experimental Establishment (PXE). The rocket was launched from an in-service Pinaka launcher, demonstrating the system’s capability to fire Pinaka variants of different ranges.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO on the successful test, describing the development of long-range guided rockets as a “game changer” that will significantly enhance the operational capabilities of the Armed Forces.

Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO, Dr Samir V. Kamat, who witnessed the trial, commended the teams for successfully achieving all mission objectives.(Agencies)