Indian Army Deploys Pinaka Rocket System In Assam To Counter Chinese Threat

Guwahati: The Pinaka and Smerch Multiple Rocket Launcher Systems (MRLS) have been deployed in Assam by the Indian Army at forward position near the China border as a measure against any Chinese threat that may arise on the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

As an autonomous rocket artillery system, the Pinaka weapon system can engage area targets up to 38km at mean sea level. The ranges of the weapon system are highly enhanced at such altitudes which further increase the deep strike capability of the weapon system.

A battery of six launchers of Pinaka can neutralise an area of 1000m by 800m by firing a salvo of 72 rockets in just 44 seconds.

Speaking to ANI, Lieutenant Colonel Sarath who is the deployed battery commander at the location, gave an overview of the weapon system and said, "The Pinaka weapon system is indigenous multi rocket launcher system designed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and it is a state of art, completely autonomous weapon system, which can engage targets up to 38 kilometres at mean sea level and at higher altitudes, the ranges get significantly enhanced, which subsequently enhance our deep strike capability."

Explaining the advantages of Pinaka and Smerch, he added, "The quick reaction time and the high accuracy of these weapon systems ensure delivery of a very high volume of firepower on critical and time-sensitive enemy targets in a very short time."

The Smerch system has a maximum range of 90 Km and is the longest range conventional rocket system that exists in the inventory of the Indian army. A battery of four launchers can neutralise an area of 1200m by 1200m by firing a salvo of 48 rockets in 40 seconds.

Speaking about the features of Smerch, its battery commander Major Srinath said, "The launcher is a very potent weapon in the arsenal of Indian artillery. The weapon can fire up to a range of 90 kilometres. Being based on a 10 by 10 tatra, it's extremely mobile, and there is no issue with mobility in any sort of terrain. There are 12 tubes in the cluster, and it fires 12 rockets in a span of 40 seconds."

The Pinaka weapon system has been named after the bow of Lord Shiva and has been designed to counter area targets by firing various ammunitions such as high explosives and submunitions.

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