The image of India has now completely changed. Once considered a country that only imported defense equipment, India is today also exporting modern weapons prepared with indigenous technology. The effect of the hard work of Indian scientists and defense experts has now started becoming clearly visible on the global stage.
The demand for Indian defense products is no longer limited to developing countries only, but many developed nations are also taking an interest in India’s advanced systems. In this sequence, France has also expressed a desire to buy a special defense system from India. A high-level committee from France has visited India to move this potential deal forward.
Major progress has been made regarding the purchase of 114 Rafale fighter jets of the 4.5 plus generation between India and France. This potential deal of about Rs 3.25 lakh crore is being counted among the biggest deals in India’s defense procurement history. Recently, the Defense Acquisition Council (DAC) of the Ministry of Defense has given the green signal to this proposal. Now the final decision on this will be taken by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS). After getting approval, a round of detailed talks regarding technical terms, production arrangements, and price with France will begin.
France’s Interest in Pinaka Rocket System
This discussion is regarding India’s indigenous Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher System, which has made a mark at the global level on the strength of its capability. In its category, Pinaka is considered equal to the world’s major rocket systems. It is compared with modern systems like the American HIMARS and Russian Tornado-S. According to media reports, high-level talks are going on between India and France regarding the potential purchase of Pinaka.
If this deal is finalized, it will prove to be a major achievement for India’s defense export sector. France is not only a developed country but also plays an important role in the global arms market and is a member of NATO. In such a situation, France showing interest in the Indian defense system will be considered a sign of India’s technical capability and growing reputation as a reliable defense partner.
How Far the Talks Have Reached
Talks regarding the Pinaka rocket system have now moved beyond initial interest. Recently, a high-level delegation from France visited India and made a detailed assessment of the system. During this, the demonstration of Pinaka’s launcher, firepower, and ammunition used was also seen.
France is working on a plan to upgrade the old M270 MLRS rocket system present in its army. Also, it is developing its next-generation rocket system, but this process is bound to take time. In such a situation, considering immediate operational needs, Pinaka is being tested as a potential option.
Meanwhile, India has also successfully tested the advanced version of Pinaka, which has further strengthened trust regarding its firepower and accuracy.
Strength and Features of Pinaka
Pinaka is an economical, reliable, and effective Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher System, which has remained an important part of the Indian Army’s strength for about three decades. Due to periodic upgrades, its firepower and accuracy have continuously improved. This system proved its effectiveness during the Kargil War. Countries like Armenia have already purchased this system from India, which has also increased its international acceptance.
The firepower range of its current version is about 75 to 90 kilometers, while the range of Pinaka Mk-3 is stated to be 120 to 130 kilometers. Work is also ongoing on Pinaka Mk-4, and its potential range could be up to 300 kilometers, which can bring it into the category of long-range firepower systems.
Pinaka is competitive in terms of price as well. The cost of a Pinaka system is stated to be approximately Rs 2.3 crore, while the price of the American M142 HIMARS system reaches about Rs 19.5 crore. That means there is a difference of about eight times in the price between the two.
