India and France’s defense collaboration is on a continuously successful journey. The surprise this time is that France is not going to supply any new military system but is showing interest in buying a Made in India MBRL system. This will be quite a positive credential in support of the Government of India’s Make in India initiative. While France stands tall as the second biggest arms supplier to India after Russia, consisting of fighter jets, submarines, transfer of technologies, and joint research programs, now India is rising to the occasion by being able to supply a military system to France, which France needs. That System is Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL) System developed by DRDO, India. Let’s delve into this.

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to France last week has invited French Army to have one more evaluation of DRDO developed Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher System. As per reports, French team is already in a process of evaluating this Indian MBRL System since November 2024 and shown their interest.

We are evaluating the Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher System because we need a system like that. We are evaluating the system among the other systems offered by the highest countries offering such systems. India is among the highest countries producing such weapons.

Brigadier General Stephane Richou, French Army

What is Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher System?

The Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher, Mark-I Enhanced & Mark-II ER developed by India’s Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) & ARDE- Armament Research & Development Establishment, is an advanced artillery system. It can launch a barrage of 12 rockets within 44 seconds, effectively targeting areas up to 90 kilometers away. The System has already been purchased and used in conflicts by countries like Armenia and has shown excellent results. India-Armenia deal was valued at 250 million USD.

Other than Armenia, Indian army has used the Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher in Kargil War in 1999 to destroy with precision the Pakistani army occupations at Mountain tops.

To maintain stability while firing, the Pinaka launcher features four hydraulic supports. The rocket system is installed on a rotating platform, which holds two rocket containers positioned side by side, ensuring an accurate launch mechanism. Each rocket pod consists of six tubes arranged in a 2×3 configuration (two rows of three tubes), enabling swift loading and firing. The entire system is operated via a Man-Machine Interface (MMI) housed within the vehicle’s cabin. It is mounted on a Tatra Truck, which enables smooth mobility & rapid deployment.

Why France Needs Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher System?

The French Army initially acquired 55 M270 Lance-Roquettes Unitaires (LRU) from the United States towards the end of the Cold War. However, post-Cold War reductions and a strategic shift towards low-intensity conflicts have reduced this stock to just 13 launchers. Furthermore, France has already provided Ukraine with six M270 LRU MLRS. Hence, there is a deficit of such Systems in the Frech Army.

France has the option to procure the American-made HIMARS M142, a battle-proven platform already operating in the European market. However, concerns over high costs have prompted the French Ministry of Defense to explore domestic production or a more economical procurement from a foreign partner.

The features of the Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher, particularly the Mark-II ER variant, align well with French requirements. It is capable of launching a salvo of 12 rockets within 44 seconds, reaching a range of up to 90 km, all at a significantly lower cost than the HIMARS M142.

At present, France is considering acquiring multiple MBRL systems from 3-4 suppliers including Pinaka System to address the shortfall of such platforms within its armed forces.

Indo-French Defense Partnership:

Specially at a level of Air Force & Navy, India and France are working together for quite some years and this partnership is growing convincingly. India, in recent past has procured 2 squadrons of Rafale fighter jets for Indian air force as well.

1. Exercise Shakti 2024: The 7th edition of Exercise Shakti was held in Meghalaya, focusing on high-altitude warfare. This exercise marked a major step in strengthening land defense cooperation between the two countries.
2. Bilateral Defense Cooperation:
   1. France and India are in advanced talks for the purchase of 26 Rafale-M fighter jets for the Indian Navy.
   2. India is also negotiating & in advanced talks to buy three more Scorpene-class submarines for its Navy.
   3. The two countries are discussing a joint project to develop a jet engine for India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program.

Both India and France are operating together in UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) with 903 & 665 Soldiers respectively, where they share a common approach to maintaining peace in the region.

France’s acquisition of the Indian-made Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher would be another milestone in the ever-growing Indo-French defense partnership. By opting for Pinaka, France will not only secure a cost-effective and battle-proven artillery system but also reinforces its effort to diversifying defense procurement.