Balasore: Marking a significant achievement for the domestic defense sector, the Defence Research and Development Organisation successfully conducted a flight test of the Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket on Wednesday, July 8, 2026. The crucial trial took place at the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, located in the Balasore district of Odisha.
The Pinaka system was initially developed as an indigenous alternative to imported multi barrel rocket launchers and has since been a key component of the Indian Army artillery. While the current operational version deployed along the borders has a strike capability of approximately 40 kilometres, this newly upgraded guided variant is designed to strike targets deep inside hostile territory. The test conducted on Wednesday was specifically for a user defined minimum range of 60 kilometres, though the upgraded system is reportedly capable of reaching up to 120 kilometres.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Defence, the advanced rocket impacted its target with textbook precision. It flawlessly followed the predicted trajectory while demonstrating all planned in flight manoeuvres. The rocket was fired from an in service Pinaka launcher, proving the versatility of the existing platform to fire different variants. The sophisticated weapon system was designed by the Pune based Armament Research and Development Establishment in collaboration with the High Energy Materials Research Laboratory.
Following the successful launch, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh extended his congratulations to the scientists, the Indian Army, and the involved industry partners. He described the successful trial as a major milestone in the indigenous design and development of advanced guided rockets under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. Top defense officials closely monitored the proceedings and praised the teams responsible for accomplishing the mission objectives.
The successful induction of the long range guided variant will significantly elevate the precision strike capabilities of the armed forces, allowing them to neutralise enemy assets from a safer stand off distance. As the Indian Army plans to expand its Pinaka regiments in the coming years, this successful trial not only strengthens national security but also boosts the growing profile of the country as an exporter of highly capable defense equipment on the global stage.