India successfully tests 120-km Pinaka guided rocket from in-service launcher

DRDO tested the Pinaka LRGR with full range and precision, the same day it was cleared for induction into the Indian Army

PGurus Newsdesk

December 30, 2025

LRGR hits target with textbook precision during maiden trial

India clears and tests Pinaka long-range guided rocket on same day

India on Monday successfully conducted the maiden flight test of the Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR 120) at the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur, Odisha, marking a major milestone in the country’s indigenous artillery capabilities.

In a significant coincidence, the test was carried out on the same day the Defence Acquisition Council cleared the 120-km range rocket system for induction into the Indian Army. The LRGR was tested for its full operational range of 120 kilometres and demonstrated all planned in-flight manoeuvres before hitting the designated target with pinpoint accuracy.

All range instrumentation tracked the rocket’s trajectory throughout the flight. The LRGR has been designed by the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) in collaboration with the High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL), with support from the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) and the Research Centre Imarat (RCI). The trial was coordinated by the Integrated Test Range and the Proof & Experimental Establishment.

The rocket was launched from the in-service Pinaka launcher, highlighting the system’s versatility and its ability to fire multiple Pinaka variants of varying ranges from a single launcher platform.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on the successful trial, describing the development of long-range guided rockets as a “game-changer” that will significantly enhance the combat capabilities of the Armed Forces. DRDO Chairman and Secretary, Department of Defence R&D, Dr Samir V Kamat, who witnessed the test, also lauded the teams for meeting all mission objectives.

The Pinaka Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS), developed by DRDO, has emerged as one of India’s most successful indigenous artillery platforms. Known for its rapid response and high precision, the system has strengthened the Indian Army’s firepower in modern warfare.

Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi has earlier indicated that the Army may reconsider alternative artillery acquisitions as longer-range Pinaka variants become operational. The system has also found success in the export market, with Armenia inducting Pinaka rockets and several European countries, including France, showing interest.

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