By A Correspondent

New Delhi: In a significant step towards sustaining frontline artillery capability and deepening public–private partnership in defence, Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) has been awarded a supply order by the Indian Army for the overhaul-cum-upgradation of in-service first-generation Pinaka Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS) and Battery Command Posts (BCPs).

The programme will be executed in close coordination with the Army’s 510 Advance Base Workshop (ABW) under the Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME), a TASL statement said on January 6, 2026.

The supply order was formally handed over at a ceremony in New Delhi, underscoring the Army’s focus on life-cycle support, indigenisation, and operational readiness of critical weapon systems.

The initiative aims to ensure sustained availability and peak performance of the Pinaka MLRS, which forms the backbone of the Indian Army’s long-range rocket artillery.

Under the arrangement, Tata Advanced Systems will initially partner with 510 ABW to jointly carry out a pilot overhaul of select Pinaka launchers and BCPs.

Once validated, the remaining fleet will be overhauled by 510 ABW, with TASL providing certified spares, technical expertise, quality assurance, and Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) coordination.

This model is expected to significantly enhance turnaround times while embedding industry best practices into Army maintenance ecosystems.

Pinaka MLRS, jointly developed by DRDO and Indian industry, is an all-weather, indirect-fire artillery system capable of delivering high-volume, precision fire against high-value targets.

Mounted on an 8×8 high-mobility vehicle, the system features automated “shoot-and-scoot” capability, inertial navigation-based digital fire control, and net-centric operations, ensuring rapid deployment and high survivability across diverse terrains.

Tata Advanced Systems, a long-standing partner of DRDO since 1989, has played a pivotal role in the design, development, and production of Pinaka, achieving nearly 80% indigenous content.

The company has delivered a significant number of Pinaka launchers currently operational with the Indian Army. Over successive production batches, the system has seen major upgrades, improving commonality, accuracy, and performance.

The Pinaka launcher is capable of firing Mk-I rockets and is future-ready to integrate guided rockets with minimal modifications. TASL continues to support DRDO in developing extended-range guided variants of up to 120 km and 300 km, reinforcing India’s growing deterrence and deep-strike capability.

For Tata Advanced Systems, the contract further strengthens its land combat systems portfolio and aligns with India’s broader Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) vision, focusing on indigenous sustainment, modernisation, and long-term operational autonomy of critical defence platforms.

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