The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted a successful flight test of the Pinaka LRGR at the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, confirming precision hits at both 60 km minimum and 120 km maximum ranges. The test underscores India's growing indigenous capability in long‑range guided artillery.

New Delhi – The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) on Wednesday carried out a successful flight test of the Pinaka Long‑Range Guided Rocket (LRGR) at the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur on India’s east coast, as per a statement released by the Ministry of Defence. The rocket was launched for a user‑defined minimum range of 60 km and, following the planned trajectory, impacted the target with textbook precision.

Design Collaboration and Institutional Support

The Pinaka LRGR is a product of the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) working in conjunction with the High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL). Technical assistance was provided by the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) and the Research Centre Imarat (RCI). Coordination of the trial was handled by ITR and the Proof & Experimental Establishment (PEE), demonstrating that a single in‑service Pinaka launcher can fire variants of different ranges.

Key Test Highlights

All planned in‑flight manoeuvres were executed flawlessly. Range instruments tracked the rocket throughout its flight, confirming that the vehicle adhered to the predicted trajectory and struck the target with the required accuracy. This success validates DRDO’s indigenous long‑range guided rocket technology, which is intended for integration with the Pinaka Multiple Launcher Rocket System (MLRS).

Government and Military Reaction

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, the Indian Army and the industry, calling the test a "major milestone in indigenous design and development capability for long‑range guided rockets." Defence Secretary and DRDO Chairman Rajesh Kumar Singh closely monitored the trial and praised all teams involved.

Future Implications

In December 2025, DRDO completed the maiden flight of the Pinaka LRGR‑120, achieving a maximum range of 120 km with the same precision standards. The current test reaffirms that the Pinaka system, known for rapid response and high accuracy, will significantly boost the Indian Army’s modern warfare capabilities. Moreover, the technology could open avenues for export, positioning India as a leader in advanced artillery solutions within the region.