India has successfully carried out the maiden flight test of the Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR 120) at the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha. The test was conducted on Monday and marked a major step forward for the country’s indigenous defence capabilities.

In a notable development, the first trial of the 120-km range rocket took place on the same day the project received approval from the Defence Acquisition Council for induction into the Indian Army. The clearance was granted during a meeting held earlier in the afternoon.

During the trial, the rocket was tested at its full range of 120 kilometres. Officials said it performed all planned in-flight manoeuvres and hit the designated target with “textbook precision”.

All tracking systems and range instruments closely followed the rocket throughout its flight to confirm its performance and accuracy.

The LRGR 120 has been designed by the Armament Research and Development Establishment, in collaboration with the High Energy Materials Research Laboratory. Support for the project was provided by the Defence Research and Development Laboratory and the Research Centre Imarat, under the umbrella of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

The trial was coordinated by the Integrated Test Range and the Proof & Experimental Establishment.

The rocket was fired from the in-service Pinaka launcher, showing that different Pinaka variants with varying ranges can be launched from the same platform. This adds flexibility and ease of use for the armed forces.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO for the successful test. He said the development of long-range guided rockets will significantly strengthen the Armed Forces and described it as a “game-changer”.

DRDO Chairman and Secretary, Department of Defence R&D, Dr Samir V Kamat, who witnessed the trial, also congratulated the teams for meeting all mission objectives.

The Pinaka Multiple Launcher Rocket System is a long-range artillery weapon developed in India and is known for its fast response and accuracy. It has become one of the most successful indigenous weapon systems.

The Indian Army has strongly backed the Pinaka system, and longer-range versions are expected to further enhance its firepower. The system has also found success overseas, with Armenia already inducting it, while several European countries, including France, have shown interest.