The DRDO is developing a new variant of the Pinaka rocket. The 214 mm variant of the Pinaka rocket is seen above displayed at Aero India 2025. (Janes/Saketha Potlapalli)
India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is developing a new high-calibre Pinaka rocket with a range of 120 km, a DRDO official told Janes at Aero India 2025 in Bangalore.
The official did not disclose the exact calibre of the new rocket variant but indicated that it could be similar to that of Russian Smerch rockets. The Smerch rockets have a calibre of 300 mm and have been in service with the Indian Army since 2007.
According to the DRDO official, development of the new Pinaka rocket variant started in 2024. He added that the new rocket is already in an advanced stage of development and that its first test is expected to be conducted in October 2025.
This new longer-range rocket variant will be launched from the Pinaka Multi Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL), the official said. A new pod to launch the new rocket variant will be fitted to the Pinaka MBRL, he added.
The existing Pinaka family consists of 214 mm fin-stabilised, solid-propellant, guided and unguided rockets and are launched from 214 mm Pinaka MBRL.
For more information, please seePinaka (214 mm) .
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