MoD Signs Rs 10,147 Crore Deals to Boost Indian Army’s Firepower with Advanced Rockets for PINAKA MLRS.
New Delhi:
In a major leap towards strengthening India’s defense capabilities and achieving the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has finalized contracts worth Rs 10,147 crore with Economic Explosives Limited (EEL), Munitions India Limited (MIL), and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for procuring state-of-the-art rockets and software upgrades for the PINAKA Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS).
The contracts, signed on February 6, 2025, in New Delhi, mark a significant enhancement in the firepower of the Indian Army’s artillery units. Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh officiated the contract-signing ceremony, which will see the procurement of the Area Denial Munition (ADM) Type-1 (DPICM) from EEL and High Explosive Pre-Fragmented (HEPF) Mk-1 (Enhanced) rockets from MIL. Additionally, a contract for upgrades to the SHAKTI Software, a key component in the operational capability of the PINAKA MLRS, was signed with BEL.
The ADM Type-1 rocket is designed with a specialized warhead capable of deploying sub-munitions over a wide area, making it highly effective for targeting enemy mechanized forces, vehicles, and personnel. Its primary function is to deny the enemy access to specific zones by creating hazardous conditions in critical areas. On the other hand, the HEPF Mk-1 (E) rockets are an advanced version of the existing HEPF rockets, with a significantly enhanced range, enabling them to strike deep into enemy territory with greater precision and devastating power.
The procurement of these advanced rockets will play a crucial role in the modernization of the Artillery Rocket Regiments, further elevating the precision and long-range capabilities of the Indian Army. With these cutting-edge munitions, the Indian military will be able to execute more effective and efficient strikes, solidifying its position as a formidable force in the region.
This strategic step towards bolstering national defense also aligns with the government’s broader goal of promoting indigenous defense production. By fostering the development of critical components locally, the procurement deals are set to create significant direct and indirect employment opportunities, particularly in the Indian MSME sector. These contracts reflect the government’s ongoing commitment to self-reliance in defense manufacturing, contributing to the Aatmanirbhar Bharat mission.
The integration of these advanced systems is expected to enhance the Army’s artillery capabilities, making it more responsive, precise, and lethal. These efforts are a clear reflection of the government’s focus on strengthening India’s defense infrastructure while empowering local industries to play a central role in the nation’s security.
This major contract signing marks a pivotal moment in India’s journey toward a stronger, more self-reliant defense sector, with far-reaching implications for both national security and the growth of indigenous defense manufacturing.
