Amid heightened security concerns along India’s western and northern borders, particularly following last year’s tensions with Pakistan, the Indian Army is accelerating the expansion of its artillery capabilities with additional Pinaka regiments.
A newly operational regiment has raised the total number deployed along the frontiers with Pakistan and China to seven, strengthening firepower in sensitive sectors.
As per reports, officials familiar with the development said another regiment is set to be inducted before the end of the year. The unit has already received more than half of its required equipment and is on track to become operational within the planned timeline.
Growing Deployment Along Two Fronts
The deployment of seven Pinaka regiments marks a significant boost to the Army’s preparedness along both the western front with Pakistan and the northern frontier with China.
These regiments are being positioned to enhance rapid-response capabilities and provide heavy fire support in the event of escalation. The planned induction of one more regiment later this year will further consolidate this presence, ensuring greater coverage across critical sectors.
Next Phase of Induction Underway
According to officials, the next regiment slated for induction is progressing steadily, with equipment deliveries already past the halfway mark. Its operationalisation is expected before year-end, reflecting the Army’s push to fast-track capability augmentation.
The momentum will continue into next year, when two additional regiments are scheduled to be brought into service, taking the total number of deployed units to 10.
In the longer term, the Army aims to field 22 Pinaka regiments equipped with advanced and extended-range variants of the system. This expansion is part of a broader strategy to modernise artillery forces and enhance indigenous capabilities for sustained operations across diverse terrains.
The current expansion builds on procurement contracts finalised in August 2020, when the Army signed agreements with Bharat Earth Movers Ltd (BEML), Tata Power Company (TPCL), and Larsen & Toubro for the supply of six Pinaka regiments. The deal was valued at approximately Rs 2,580 crore and laid the groundwork for the ongoing expansion.
Indigenous System Driving Firepower
The Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher system, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is the cornerstone of India’s indigenous artillery programme. It has been designed to deliver high-volume, rapid-fire strikes against enemy targets.
Earlier versions of the system had a strike range of about 40 km, but newer guided and extended-range variants can reach up to 120 km.
The extended range and improved accuracy of the latest Pinaka variants significantly enhance the Army’s ability to conduct deep-strike operations. This allows forces to engage targets far beyond the immediate battlefield, providing a critical edge in modern warfare.
With continued inductions and technological upgrades, the Pinaka system is set to play an increasingly central role in strengthening India’s defensive and offensive artillery capabilities along its most sensitive borders.