Long-range rockets are being developed for the indigenous Pinaka systems, which will have the capability to hit targets distanced over 200 km, the Economic Times reported.

While the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is developing these extended-range, guided rockets, it is also likely to involve the private sector for production.

The development of rockets having a range of 120-200km and pinpoint accuracy is an attempt to counter China and Pakistan’s joint efforts to develop long-range multi-barrel rocket systems.

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Recently, Pakistan tested the Fatah II system with a claimed range of 400 km. It is known to have been developed with China’s aid.

India’s new rockets will be able to operate on existing Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launchers (MBRL). The current range of rockets fired from Pinaka is 37 km and that of extended-range rockets is 45 km.

Indian Army has already deployed Pinaka system along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) against China. Reportedly, India has also imported Pinaka systems to Armenia via Iran.

In October 2023, India shipped the first consignment of Pinaka Launchers to a foreign country. However, it was not disclosed which country received the rockets, although Armenia is the likely recipient.