Pinaka Missile System

• 20 Dec 2019

Why in News

• Recently, an updated version of Pinaka Missile System, named Pinaka Mark II rocket was successfully flight-tested from the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, Odisha.

Key Points

• Pinaka is an indigenous multi-barrel rocket launch system, which has been developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for the Indian Army.
• Its weapon system has a state-of-the-art guidance kit bolstered by an advanced navigation and control system.
  
  • The Pinaka Mark II Rocket is modified as a missile by integrating with the navigation, control and guidance system to improve the accuracy and enhance the range.
  • The navigation system of the missile is aided by the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS).
• It is an artillery missile system capable of striking into enemy territory up to a range of 75 kilometres with high precision.
  
  • The initial version of weapon system was called Mark I, which had a range of 40 km. The upgraded version or Pinaka Mark II has an extended range of 70 to 80 km.
• The mission achieved all the objectives including enhancing the range, accuracy and sub-system functionality.

Source: PIB