India ships initial batch of Pinaka rockets to foreign customer likely Armenia

NewsBharati 12-Oct-2023 19:30:00 PM

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New Delhi, Oct 11: Ordnance Factory Ambajhari, India has exported the first batch of Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher (MBRL) rockets to a foreign country, according to PRO.

According to a tweet on the social media site X (previously Twitter) by Ordnance Factory Ambajri (OFAJ), the first shipment of Pinaka MK-1 enhanced rocket (ER) was sent on October 5, 2023.

According to the blog post, "OFAJ has successfully made a mark for itself on the global stage for Pinaka Rocket, with the flagging off, of the first consignment of Pinaka MK-1 enhanced Rocket against export by Somnath Tripathy, Senior General Manager OFAJ on 5th October, in the presence of all stakeholders."

OFAJ has successfully made a mark for itself on the global stage for Pinaka Rocket, with the flagging off, of the first consignment of Pinaka Mk I enhanced Rocket against export by Shri Somnath Tripathy, Sr GM/OFAJ on 05.10.2023, in the presence of all stakeholders. pic.twitter.com/SmvYN7tcyV
— PRO, Ordnance Factory Ambajhari (@GmOfaj) October 10, 2023

"This achievement is a testimonial of our craftsmanship and determination, and we are poised to contribute significantly to our Nation's growth," the message went on to say.

The article, however, did not specify which country received the rockets, however Armenia is the most likely recipient.

Armenia bought an unknown amount of Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO)-developed Pinaka launchers, missiles, and accompanying equipment worth Rs 2,000 crore ($245 million) in September last year.

These Pinaka MK-1-ER rockets can attack land targets up to 45 kilometers away.A guided Pinaka MK-2 rocket with a range of 75 kilometers may attack targets.

Another, even longer-range rocket, the Pinaka MK-2-ER, is in the works, allowing the Pinaka battery to kill targets at distances of more than 120 kilometers.

According to accounts, Pinaka launchers made their way to Armenia via Iran in July of this year, causing consternation among Azerbaijan's officials.

Azerbaijan raised worry over Armenia and India's growing military cooperation and asked India to reconsider its intention to deliver deadly weapons to Armenia.

In addition, Armenia secured a $155 million contract with Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited to deliver an unspecified number of 155mm/52 calibre advanced towed artillery gun systems.