Indian Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has started work on the air version of Pinaka rocket system. This move will help in giving a new direction to the strength of the Indian Air Force (IAF) as well as reducing expenditure on expensive missile and rocket systems.
New Delhi: The Defense Research and Development Organization has now started the work of converting the truck mounted surface-to-air version of the indigenous Pinaka rocket system into an air-to-surface air version. DRDO aims to provide the Indian Air Force with more accurate and longer range indigenous rockets for its fighter jets.
For this, work has been intensified at both technical and testing levels. According to reports, the demand for Pinaka Air version has started not only in India but also in countries around the world, due to which it will further strengthen India’s capabilities in the defense sector.
Pinaka Rocket Air Version: Different from Army Version
The existing truck-mounted land version of the Pinaka rocket has already proven successful for the Indian Army. Now DRDO is converting it into air version, so that it can be used with all modern fighter jets. The length of the air version will be kept at around 4.8 meters, so that there is no impact on the aerodynamic performance of the jet. Apart from this, many technical changes are also being made in the propulsion and control system. The Pinaka Air version will have the following technical features:
- Precision Guidance: Use of GPS and internal navigation system for mid-course correction.
- Longer Range: This air version will be able to hit targets at greater ranges than the surface-to-air version.
- Better efficiency: The pilot will not need to go near the target; This will reduce the risk of being hit by the air defense system.
The Pinaka air version would be a cost-effective alternative to expensive cruise missiles and unguided rockets. It will be difficult to be detected on enemy radar, due to which this rocket will be capable of carrying out precise attacks on logistics hubs, military bases and radar systems. DRDO says that the air version is being built on the existing Pinaka framework. This will reduce the cost of development and will also save time. This will give a new strength to the Indian Air Force under the Self-reliant India campaign.
Global demand and France’s interest
The demand for Pinaka rocket air version has started increasing not only in India but from many countries around the world. The latest discussion has reached France, which is showing interest in this system. DRDO aims that this rocket should prove to be suitable and effective for modern fighter jets. ‘Pinaka’ is named after the divine bow of Lord Shiva. In Hindu scriptures such as Ramayana and Shiva Purana, Pinaka is described as the destroyer of evil, maintainer of cosmic balance and a symbol of power.
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