The Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has successfully completed the flight tests of the Pinaka Guided Weapon System as part of the Provisional Personnel Qualitative Requirements (PSQR) validation trials. The flight tests were conducted in three phases at various field firing ranges, the defense ministry said here on Thursday.

During these tests, PSQR parameters namely range, accuracy, consistency and rate of fire for engaging multiple targets in a salvo mode were evaluated through extensive missile testing. Twelve missiles from each manufacturing agency were tested from two in-service Pinaka launchers upgraded by the launcher manufacturing agencies, the statement said.

The precision strike variant of the Pinaka Multiple Launch Missile System is a fully indigenous weapon system designed and developed by the Armaments Research and Development Institution in association with the Imarat Research Centre, the Defense Research and Development Laboratory, the High Energy Materials Research and Munitions Proof and Experimental Unit. India Limited and Economic Explosives Limited as manufacturing agents for ammunition and Tata Advanced Systems Limited and Larsen and Toubro for Pinaka Launcher and Battery Command Post.

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh complimented the DRDO and the Indian Army for the successful PSQR validation tests of the system and said that the introduction of this guided Pinaka weapon system will further enhance the artillery firepower of the armed forces.

Dr. Samir V Kamat, Secretary, Department of Defense Research and Development and Chairman, DRDO, also congratulated the teams associated with the tests and said that the missile system has completed all necessary flight tests before inducting into the Indian Army.