India's first enhanced Pinaka rockets exported to Armenia

The Ordnance Factory Ambajhari (OFAJ) marked the send-off of India's maiden export-ready consignment of the Pinaka Mk I enhanced Rocket on October 5, 2023. This consignment, bound for Armenia, underscores India's growing stature in the global defence industry. The ceremony, officiated by Somnath Tripathy, Senior General Manager of OFAJ, witnessed the presence of key stakeholders.

OFAJ has successfully made a mark for itself on the global stage for Pinaka Rocket, with the flagging off, of the first consignment of Pinaka Mk I enhanced Rocket against export by Shri Somnath Tripathy, Sr GM/OFAJ on 05.10.2023, in the presence of all stakeholders. pic.twitter.com/SmvYN7tcyV

— PRO, Ordnance Factory Ambajhari (@GmOfaj)

Pinaka export: ‘Testimonial of Indian determination’

OFAJ, in a statement released on October 10, expressed, "This achievement is a testimonial of our craftsmanship and determination, and we are poised to contribute significantly to our Nation’s growth.”

First export consigment of EPRS being flagged off. | Image: X @GmOfaj

The Enhanced Pinaka Rocket System (EPRS) is an advancement over the original Pinaka variant. It, as per the Ministry of Defence  incorporates state-of-the-art technologies that have increased its range, aligning it with the evolving needs of the Indian Army. Developed by DRDO, the EPRS has served the army for a decade, demonstrating its reliability and effectiveness. According to MoD, the successful technology transfer to industry partners like Munitions India Limited (MIL) and Economic Explosives Limited Nagpur marked a crucial milestone, paving the way for extensive user trials and eventual series production. Other variants of Pinaka are also under development.

First export consigment of EPRS during the ceremony. | Image: X @GmOfaj

Last year, Solar Group, an Indian defence firm, secured orders from Armenia for the indigenously manufactured Pinaka rockets. The upgraded version of the Mk1 boasts an extended operational life and range, while maintaining an efficient price point, according to an ANI report. Chairman Satyanarayan Nuwal highlighted in the same report that the entire export order from Armenia is slated for completion within two years. During Defexpo-2022, Nuwal also disclosed that Nigeria and Indonesia have shown interest in the Multi-barrel rocket launcher system, a collaborative effort between Solar Group and DRDO.

Armenia's keen interest in these defence systems arises amidst ongoing tensions with neighbouring Azerbaijan. India's prior success in exporting its Swathi weapon locating radar to Armenia has strengthened its reputation in the Armenian export sectorFurther, the Indian Army's already inducted Pinaka variants and  intention to induct a substantial number of variants of the Multi Barrel rocket launch system within its artillery regiments further solidifies the system’s position as a reliable and advanced artillery system.

Global interest in Indian defence products surge as figure hits Rs 16,000 cr

Recent Government data reveals that the country's defence exports have surged toRs. 16,000 Crore in the fiscal year 2022-23. This feat marks a 23-fold increase from FY 2013-14, when exports stood at Rs. 686 Crore. India, once primarily reliant on defence equipment imports, has now emerged as a major exporter of critical platforms including aircraft like the Dornier-228, artillery guns, Brahmos Missiles, PINAKA rockets & launchers, radars, simulators, and armoured vehicles. 

Role of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiative

According to the Ministry of Defence the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative has played a pivotal role in strengthening the country's self-reliance in defence production. By encouraging indigenous design, development, and manufacture of defence equipment, India has significantly reduced its dependency on imports, with expenditures on defence procurement from foreign sources dropping from 46% in 2018-19 to 36.7% in December 2022. Also India's defence exports now span more than 85 countries, as per available government data. Currently, 100 Indian  firms are engaged in exporting defence products, further fortifying India's position as a global player in defence manufacturing.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasised the surge in defence exports as a testament to India's talent and dedication to the 'Make in India' initiative.  “It also shows the reforms in this sector over the last few years are delivering good results. Our Government will keep supporting efforts to make India a defence production hub,” the PM said. The Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hailed the record defence exports as a notable milestone for the nation.“Under the inspiring leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, defence exports will continue to grow exponentially,” Singh stated.