DRDO Tests Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket with 60 km Strike Range

Key Facts

• Date of test: 8 July 2026
• Test location: Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, Odisha
• Tested system: Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR)
• Minimum strike range validated: 60 km
• Maiden flight test of Pinaka LRGR (120 km max range): December 2025
• Developing organizations: Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL), Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), Research Centre Imarat (RCI) — all DRDO laboratories
• Indian Army operates approximately 6-7 Pinaka rocket launcher regiments currently, plans to expand to 10 regiments by the end of 2026 and 22 in the long term
• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, Indian Army, and industry partners after the test
• Defence Secretary and DRDO Chairman Rajesh Kumar Singh monitored the test at Chandipur
• Pinaka is an indigenous multi-barrel rocket launcher system capable of firing multiple rocket variants with a common launcher platform
• The Integrated Test Range at Chandipur is a major missile and weapon test facility on the east coast of Odisha

Background & Context

The Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher system was developed indigenously by DRDO to enhance the Indian Army's artillery capability. Its Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR) variant integrates precision guidance technology to improve strike accuracy and extends operational range. The LRGR 120 variant had its maiden flight in December 2025, demonstrating a maximum strike range of 120 km. The latest test in July 2026 focused on validating the system's capability for a minimum strike range of 60 km, including completion of all planned in-flight manoeuvres and accuracy against designated targets.

Development was a multi-laboratory collaborative effort involving ARDE (design engineering), HEMRL (energetic materials), DRDL & RCI (missile technologies and propulsion). The test employed an in-service Pinaka launcher, underscoring launcher compatibility across missile variants, a key aspect for operational deployment.

Why This Matters for Exams / Exam Relevance

Indigenous defence technology developments, such as the Pinaka LRGR, are important topics in current affairs and defence segments of competitive exams. Key focus areas include the organizations involved (DRDO and its labs), timeline and specifications of tests, strategic significance to Indian Army artillery modernization, and notable government officials connected with the development and testing. The Integrated Test Range in Chandipur is also a frequent topic linked with missile testing in India. Understanding such projects helps in multiple choice questions, descriptive answers, and general awareness about India's defence capabilities.

Points to Remember

• Pinaka LRGR successfully tested on 8 July 2026 at 60 km minimum strike range
• First flight test of LRGR for 120 km max range was in December 2025
• Pinaka system developed by several DRDO labs: ARDE, HEMRL, DRDL, RCI
• Current Indian Army Pinaka regiments: 6-7; expansion planned to 10 by 2026 and 22 subsequently
• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Defence Secretary DRDO Chairman Rajesh Kumar Singh played key roles in oversight and acknowledgment
• Pinaka launcher platform supports multiple rocket variants for operational flexibility
• Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, Odisha is a premier missile test facility in India