By N. C. Bipindra

India’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed contracts with its state-run companies and a private sector firm to boost the firepower of its army’s Pinaka air defence rockets.

An MoD statement on Feb. 6, 2025, said the deal, worth Rs 10,147 crore (~US$1.2 billion), will enhance the range of the Pinaka Multiple-Launch Rocket System (MLRS) to strike deep inside the enemy territory with precision and lethality. India’s Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh was present when the contracts were signed.

The contract was signed with Nagpur-based Economic Explosive Limited (EEL) and state-run Munitions India Limited (MIL) for the procurement of Area Denial Munition (ADM) Type-1 (DPICM) and High Explosive Pre-Fragmented (HEPF) Mk-1 (Enhanced) rockets respectively. In addition, a contract for upgrades in SHAKTI Software has also been signed with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL).

The ADM Type-1 of PINAKA MLRS has a specialised warhead to deliver a quantum of sub-munitions over a larger area targeting mechanised forces, vehicles, and personnel, thereby denying specific areas to the enemy.

The HEPF Mk-1 (E) rockets are advanced versions of the in-service HEPF rockets which have enhanced range to strike deep into enemy territory with precision and lethality.

“The procurement of ADM Type-1 (DPICM) and HEPF Mk-1 (E) rockets will mark a significant milestone in the modernisation of the Artillery Rocket Regiments. These advanced ADM (DPICM) and HEPF ammunition will bolster the Indian Army’s firepower by enabling precise, long-range strikes,” the statement said.

Beyond enhancing national defence capabilities, these projects have immense potential for direct and indirect employment generation by encouraging the Indian MSME sector through components manufacturing.

The procurement marks a pivotal step towards modernising India’s defence infrastructure and empowering Indigenous industries, boosting the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) vision of the Government of India.

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