DRDO Announces Multi-Role Adaptation of Guided Pinaka for Naval Defense

India's indigenous defense capabilities received a significant boost as DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V. Kamat revealed that the Guided Pinaka multi-barrel rocket system can now be adapted to target enemy warships. This development expands its operational scope beyond traditional land-based warfare.
Initially designed as a long-range artillery rocket for the Indian Army, the Guided Pinaka has seen substantial upgrades. These include advanced precision guidance systems that extend its range to between 75 and 90 kilometers. Such improvements enable the system to carry out precise strikes, making it suitable for anti-ship operations in coastal and maritime settings.
Dr. Kamat noted that this repurposing of existing platforms is in line with India's strategy of creating multi-domain, multi-role systems, thus maximizing the utility of indigenous technology without the need for entirely new systems.
Should it be used in an anti-ship role, the Guided Pinaka could serve as a complement to India's BrahMos cruise missiles. While BrahMos is known for its long-range and high-impact capabilities, Pinaka's cost-effectiveness and ability to deliver a high volume of fire could challenge enemy defenses, complicating naval operations in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
This development takes place against a backdrop of growing strategic concerns over China's expanding maritime influence in the IOR and Pakistan’s naval ambitions. It underscores India's commitment to sustaining a strong and adaptable coastal defense stance through indigenous solutions.
The DRDO's initiative reflects a broader trend of creatively repurposing land-based systems for use in maritime environments, thereby enhancing India's readiness across various theaters of operation.