Lagatar24 Desk
Guwahati, Oct.22: The Indian Army has deployed Pinaka and Smerch Multiple Rocket Launcher Systems (MRLS) at forward positions near the Chinese border (LAC) to counter any threat coming across the border.
The Pinaka weapon system is a self-contained rocket artillery system capable of engaging targets up to 38 kilometres away at sea level. The ranges are greatly increased at higher altitudes, enhancing the weapon system’s deep strike potential.
#WATCH Indian Army displays Pinaka & Smerch multiple rocket launcher systems in Assam pic.twitter.com/6FkiRHbApb
— ANI (@ANI) October 22, 2021
A Pinaka battery of six launchers can fire a salvo of 72 rockets in 44 seconds, effectively neutralising a 1000m by 800m area.
“The Pinaka weapon system is an indigenous multi rocket launcher system designed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and it is a state of the art, completely autonomous weapon system, which can engage targets up to 38 kilometres at mean sea level and at higher altitudes,” said battery commander at the location, Lieutenant Colonel Sarath.
“The quick reaction time and great precision of these weapon systems ensure delivery of a very large volume of firepower on important and time-sensitive enemy targets in a very short time,” he added talking about the advantage of Pinaka and Smerch to India’s firepower
The Smerch system is the Indian army’s longest-range conventional rocket system, with a maximum range of 90 kilometres. In 40 seconds, a battery of four launchers can fire a salvo of 48 rockets, neutralising a 1200m by 1200m area.
Major Srinath, the battery commander of Smerch, described the weapon system’s qualities as follows: “The launcher is a powerful weapon in Indian artillery’s armoury. The weapon has a range of up to 90 kilometres. It is incredibly movable, as it is based on a 10 by 10 tatra, and movement in any terrain is not an issue. The cluster has 12 tubes and shoots 12 rockets throughout the course of 40 seconds.”
Pinaka is named after Lord Shiva’s bow. Both of these weapon systems (Pinaka and Smerch) are designed to fire a range of ammunition against area targets, including heavy explosives and submunitions.
The updated version of the Pinaka ammunition system is already in the works, and it can fire up to a range of 75 kilometres with pinpoint accuracy, substantially enhancing the system’s existing capabilities.
These weapon systems’ fast responsiveness and great precision allow them to deliver a massive volume of fire against critical and time-sensitive adversary targets in a short amount of time.
