Indian MoD to Procure Locally-made Rockets for Pinaka MLRS Worth $1.1 Billion

The India Ministry of Defence has inked contracts with local companies- Economic Explosive Limited and Munitions India Limited for the procurement of Area Denial Munition (ADM Type-1) and High Explosive Pre Fragmented Mk-1 (Enhanced) rockets respectively for PINAKA Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) worth Rs 10,147 crore.

In addition, a contract for upgrades in SHAKTI Software has also been signed with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). The contracts were signed in the presence of Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh in New Delhi on February 06, 2025.

ADM Type-1 of PINAKA MLRS has a specialized warhead to deliver a quantum of sub-munitions over a larger area targeting mechanized forces, vehicles and personnel, thereby denying specific areas to the enemy. HEPF Mk-1 (E) rockets are advance version of in-service HEPF rockets which have enhanced range to strike deep into enemy territory with precision and lethality.

The procurement of ADM Type-1 (DPICM) and HEPF Mk-1 (E) rockets will mark a significant milestone in the modernisation of the Artillery Rocket Regiments. These advanced ADM (DPICM) and HEPF ammunition will play a crucial role in bolstering the Indian Army’s firepower by enabling precise and long-range strikes.

Pinaka is a multiple rocket launcher produced in India and developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for the Indian Army.

It is also called India's Grad missile system as it's characteristics are derived from the Soviet-era BM-21 Grad. The system has a maximum range of 45 km  for Mark-I Enhanced and 90 km for Mark-II ER version and can fire a salvo of 12 HE rockets per launcher in 44 seconds. The system is mounted on a Tatra truck.