Pinaka Mark-I (Enhanced) Rocket System

Why in news?

• ?Pinaka Mk-I (Enhanced) Rocket System (EPRS) and Pinaka Area Denial Munition (ADM) rocket systems have been successfully flight-tested by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Army at Pokhran Firing Ranges.

About Pinaka Mk-I (Enhanced) Rocket System:

• The EPRS is the upgraded version of the Pinaka variant that has been in service with the Indian Army for the last decade.
• The new incarnation of Pinaka represents one of the few examples of an evolutionary process being followed with an indigenous Indian weapon system.

About Pinaka Rocket System:

• It is a multiple rocket launcher produced in India and developed by the DRDO for the Indian Army.
• The system has a maximum range of 40 km for Mark-I and 60 km for Mark-I enhanced version
• It can fire a salvo of 12 rockets over a period of 44 seconds.
• The launcher is capable of operating in autonomous, stand- alone, remote and manual modes.
• The system is mounted on a Tatra truck for mobility.
• Pinaka saw service during the Kargil War, where it was successful in neutralising enemy positions on the mountain tops
• One battery of the Pinaka system consists of six launch vehicles, accompanied by loader systems, radar and links with network-based systems and a command post. One battery can neutralise an area of 1 km by 1 km.
• About 5,000 missiles are being produced every year while an advanced variant is under development with enhanced range and accuracy.

PRACTICE QUESTION:

Consider the following statements regarding ‘Pinaka Rocket System’:

1. It can destroy targets between 500-600 km range.

2. It has been developed by DRDO

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither

Answer