Pinaka-MK3|| Pinaka weapon system|| UPSC Current Affairs

Description

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Context:

DRDO has started the development of Pinaka-MK3 guided rocket system. Soon the Indian Army will get this deadly weapon.

Details

The Indian-made Pinaka weapon system, named after the bow of Hindu god Shiva, has been developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation.

Private sector companies involved in the project include Larsen & Toubro, Tata Defence and Economic Explosives Limited.

Range and capability

The system has a maximum range of 40 km for Mark-I and 60 km for Mark-I enhanced version. The best feature of Pinaka system is that one regiment can launch as many as 12 rockets in under a minute in multiple directions and can be re-located within minutes.

Major Pinka launcher system: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/pinaka-mk-iii#:~:text=The%20Pinaka%20Mk%2DII%20system,%2Dalone%2C%20and%20remote%20modes

How it works?

The complete Pinaka MBRL system is comprised of six launcher vehicles, each equipped with 12 rockets, six loader-replenishment vehicles, two command post vehicles integrated with a fire control computer, and a DIGICORA MET radar.

Each launcher can be operated independently. So, rockets can be fired individually or simultaneously in different directions. The launcher can operate in four modes – manual, remote, standalone, and autonomous.

Kargil war and Pinaka

During the Kargil war in 1999, the Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher (MBRL) was effectively employed to eliminate enemy forces and their positions atop mountains.

Exported abroad

The weapon system is one of the first few Indian military terms to have been exported to foreign countries, including Armenia.

Must read articles:

More details about Pinaka missile: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/pinaka-rocket

Indian Missiles: An Overview: https://www.iasgyan.in/blogs/indian-missiles-an-overview

Source:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinaka_multi-barrel_rocket_launcher

https://www.eurasiantimes.com/indian-pinaka-rocket-ruffles-azerbaijan-media-claims-new/

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.Consider the following statements:

Pinaka is a multiple rocket launcher produced in India in collaboration with Russia for the Indian Army.
The system has a maximum range of 40 km for Mark-I and 60 km for Mark-I enhanced version.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: B

Explanation:

Statement 1 is incorrect:

The Indian-made Pinaka weapon system, named after the bow of Hindu god Shiva, has been developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation. Private sector companies involved in the project include Larsen & Toubro, Tata Defence and Economic Explosives Limited.

Statement 2 is correct:

The system has a maximum range of 40 km for Mark-I and 60 km for Mark-I enhanced version. The best feature of Pinaka system is that one regiment can launch as many as 12 rockets in under a minute in multiple directions and can be re-located