India’s Latest Defence Milestone
Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket Test Success: India recorded a significant achievement in December 2025 with the successful maiden flight test of the Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR-120). The test marked a major step in strengthening India’s indigenous precision-guided weapon systems.
The trial demonstrated India’s growing capability to design, develop, and deploy long-range guided rockets with high accuracy. It also reinforced the credibility of the Pinaka rocket system as a modern battlefield force multiplier.
Successful Flight Test Details
The Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) conducted the test on December 29, 2025. The launch took place at the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, located in Odisha.
The rocket successfully achieved its maximum range of 120 kilometres. All mission objectives were met with textbook precision, confirming the system’s performance, stability, and reliability under operational conditions.
Static GK fact: The Integrated Test Range at Chandipur is one of India’s premier missile and rocket testing facilities, operational since 1983.
Key Features of Pinaka LRGR-120
The Pinaka LRGR-120 represents an advanced evolution of the Pinaka rocket family. It is designed to enhance both range and accuracy, addressing modern battlefield requirements.
The rocket is precision-guided and capable of in-flight manoeuvrability, allowing it to adjust trajectory after launch. This significantly improves target engagement accuracy and reduces collateral damage.
Its compatibility with existing Pinaka launchers ensures seamless integration into current artillery units without additional infrastructure.
Launch and Tracking Performance
The rocket was launched from an in-service Pinaka launcher, proving its operational flexibility. This confirmed that the LRGR-120 does not require a dedicated or modified launcher.
Advanced range instrumentation systems tracked the rocket throughout its entire flight path. The collected data validated the rocket’s guidance system, aerodynamic stability, and impact accuracy.
Static GK Tip: Precision-guided rockets reduce ammunition expenditure by achieving targets with fewer rounds compared to unguided systems.
DRDO Laboratories Behind the Project
The development of the LRGR-120 involved multiple specialised DRDO laboratories. Each lab contributed domain-specific expertise to the project.
Key participating laboratories included Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL), Defense Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), and Research Centre Imarat (RCI).
The trial activities were coordinated by the Integrated Test Range (ITR) and the Proof & Experimental Establishment (PXE).
Operational Significance of the Launcher
A major achievement of the test was the demonstration that different Pinaka variants with varying ranges can be fired from the same launcher. This capability enhances battlefield adaptability.
It improves logistics efficiency, simplifies training, and allows rapid switching between rocket variants based on mission requirements. This feature is crucial for high-tempo combat operations.
Evolution of the Pinaka Rocket System
The Pinaka is an indigenous multi-barrel rocket launcher (MBRL) system developed for rapid saturation fire. Initially fielded as an unguided system, it has evolved significantly over time.
Guided and extended-range variants like the LRGR-120 have transformed Pinaka into a precision strike system, capable of deep-target engagement.
Static GK fact: The Pinaka system is inducted into both the Indian Army’s artillery regiments and multiple operational sectors.
Strategic Impact
The successful test of the Pinaka LRGR-120 strengthens India’s artillery strike capability. It enhances deterrence, reduces dependence on imports, and supports the vision of self-reliant defence manufacturing.
The achievement also boosts India’s readiness to counter evolving regional security challenges with indigenous technology.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket Test Success:
| Topic | Detail |
| Test Conducted By | Defense Research and Development Organization |
| Rocket Name | Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket LRGR-120 |
| Test Date | December 29, 2025 |
| Maximum Range | 120 kilometres |
| Test Location | Integrated Test Range Chandipur Odisha |
| Launcher Used | In-service Pinaka launcher |
| Key Capability | Precision guidance with in-flight manoeuvrability |
| Strategic Value | Enhanced artillery range accuracy and flexibility |
