India achieved a significant milestone in advanced rocket artillery capability with the successful maiden flight test of the Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket with a strike range of 120 kilometres. The test was conducted on December 29 2025 at the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, validating the rocket’s maximum range, guidance accuracy and in flight manoeuvring performance.
During the trial, the rocket executed all planned flight manoeuvres and impacted the designated target with high precision, meeting all mission objectives. Range instrumentation deployed along the trajectory tracked the rocket throughout its flight, confirming the accuracy and reliability of the guidance and control systems.
The long range guided rocket has been designed by the Armament Research and Development Establishment in collaboration with the High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, with technical support from the Defence Research and Development Laboratory and the Research Centre Imarat. The flight trial was coordinated by the Integrated Test Range and the Proof and Experimental Establishment, ensuring comprehensive evaluation of performance parameters.
The rocket was launched from the in service Pinaka launcher, demonstrating the system’s versatility and its ability to fire different Pinaka variants of varying ranges from the same platform. This common launcher capability enhances operational flexibility, simplifies logistics and strengthens the overall effectiveness of the Pinaka rocket artillery system.
The successful test marks an important step forward in extending the reach and precision of the Pinaka system, significantly enhancing the Indian Armed Forces’ long range strike capability. The development of guided rockets with extended range and high accuracy is expected to act as a force multiplier, enabling precise engagement of targets at greater distances.
Senior defence leadership present at the test congratulated the teams involved for accomplishing the mission objectives and described the successful development of long range guided rockets as a major boost to national defence preparedness. The achievement underscores the growing maturity of indigenous defence research and development and reinforces India’s focus on self reliance in critical military technologies.
