India Begins Export of Pinaka Rocket Systems to Armenia, Strengthening Defence Ties
India has commenced the export of its indigenous Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launchers (MBRL) to Armenia, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s defence manufacturing and export capabilities. The initial consignment of these advanced rocket systems, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has been delivered under a defence cooperation agreement between the two countries.
This delivery follows India’s recent export of the Akash air defence missile system to Armenia, underscoring the growing defence partnership between the two nations. The Pinaka rocket launchers, capable of hitting targets over 80 kilometres away, play a critical role in India’s defence export strategy, aimed at promoting indigenous technologies in global markets.
The agreement for the Pinaka systems, finalized two years ago after extensive negotiations, reflects Armenia’s growing reliance on Indian defence systems. Armenia now ranks among the top three importers of Indian defence equipment, alongside the United States and France.
Interest in the Pinaka system has grown internationally, with nations from Southeast Asia and Europe expressing enthusiasm for the technology. In addition to exports, India plans to expand its domestic deployment of the Pinaka systems within its armed forces. The guided Pinaka variant, tested successfully by the DRDO, is co-produced by Solar Industry’s Economic Explosives Limited and Munitions India Limited, both based in Nagpur.
France has also shown interest in acquiring the Pinaka system, with discussions taking place during a visit by India’s Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Anil Chauhan, earlier this year.
India’s defence export sector has seen remarkable growth since 2014, with the country emerging as a reliable supplier of advanced weaponry. France ranks as the second-largest importer of Indian defence systems, following the United States. The successful delivery of Pinaka to Armenia is yet another testament to India’s ambition to position itself as a global leader in the defence manufacturing sector.
