India exports Pinaka rockets to Armenia: Check the guided missile system’s capabilities that even France is interested in

The first batch of guided Pinaka rocket systems meant for Armenia has been flagged off by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh from a facility in Nagpur, according to a TOI report. The development marks the start of deliveries under a roughly Rs 2,000 crore deal signed between India and Armenia for four Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher batteries along with anti-tank rockets, ammunition and other equipment.

India had earlier delivered the unguided variant of the Pinaka rockets, with supplies beginning in July 2023 and concluding in November 2024. The current dispatch involves the guided version, designed to enhance precision strike capabilities. Armenia is the first confirmed international buyer of the Pinaka system, though several other countries in Southeast Asia and Europe, including France, have shown interest.

Speaking at the event, Rajnath Singh said the export of Pinaka missiles developed at the Solar Defence & Aerospace facility has begun, demonstrating the growing capabilities of India’s defence industry. He said India is no longer only an importer of defence equipment but is rapidly emerging as an exporter. The minister said India’s defence exports, which were below Rs 1,000 crore a decade ago, have now reached a record Rs 24,000 crore, aided by increased private sector participation. He added that domestic defence production has grown from Rs 46,425 crore in 2014 to a record Rs 1.51 lakh crore.

What is Pinaka missile system?

The Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher system is known for its accuracy and extended range. While earlier variants had a range of around 37.5 km, upgrades over time have increased its strike capability to 75 km, with the latest trial version achieving a range of up to 120 km. The Indian Army inducted the Pinaka Mk-I Enhanced variant after successful trials in April 2022 and is now looking to induct 120-km range rockets under a proposal worth around Rs 2,500 crore. Trials of the new rockets were conducted in December 2025, and they can be launched from the same platforms currently used for 40 km and 75-plus km strikes.

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Armenia signed the Rs 2,000 crore agreement with India in September 2022, covering multi-barrel launch systems as well as guided rockets and associated equipment. The flagging off of the guided rockets from Nagpur marks the next phase of the deal’s execution.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation began developing the Pinaka system in the late 1980s as an alternative to Russian-origin multi-barrel rocket launchers such as the Grad. Production is currently supported by Indian firms including Tata Advanced Systems, Solar Industries, Munitions India Ltd and Economic Explosives Ltd.

Besides Pinaka, India is also offering other indigenous systems for export, including the Akash missile shield. Armenia was the first buyer of Akash as well, receiving the first battery in November 2024 under a $720 million deal for 15 missile systems. Other countries such as the Philippines, Brazil, Egypt and Vietnam have expressed interest in the system.

Army chief on rocket force for India

The Army chief said last week that the force is looking to build a comprehensive rocket-cum-missile arsenal, including BrahMos, Pralay, Pinaka and other missiles. The decision followed a review of Operation Sindoor and takes into account the similar capabilities maintained by Pakistan and China.