DRDO to validate 120km Pinaka Mk3 system trials in 2026.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is set to conduct long-range validation trials for the Pinaka Mk3 rocket system, now scheduled for early 2026, following a rescheduling from late 2025. This next-generation artillery system, capable of striking targets up to 120 km away, represents a significant leap in the Indian Army’s deep-strike capabilities and aims to reduce reliance on older imported systems. With a projected procurement value of approximately 2,500 crore, the Pinaka Mk3 will utilize advanced guidance technology from the successful Guided Pinaka variant, enhancing accuracy and operational effectiveness. The initiative underscores India’s strategic shift towards modernizing its military capabilities while fostering a resilient domestic defense industrial ecosystem, further solidifying its position in the global defense market.
