Ministry of Defence has signed Rs 10,147 Cr deal with Economic Explosives Ltd, Munitions India Ltd & Bharat Electronics Ltd, in the presence of Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh
Following the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approval on January 29, the Defence Ministry on Thursday signed contracts worth ₹10,147 crore with Economic Explosives Limited (EEL), Munitions India Limited (MIL), and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for advanced rockets and software upgrades for the Pinaka Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS).
Nagpur-based EEL and state-run MIL will supply Area Denial Munition (ADM) Type-1 (DPICM) and High Explosive Pre-Fragmented (HEPF) Mk-1 (Enhanced) rockets, respectively. Meanwhile, BEL will upgrade the SHAKTI command-and-control software.
ADM Type-1 rockets, featuring specialized warheads, deploy sub-munitions over large areas, effectively targeting mechanized forces, vehicles, and personnel to deny the enemy access to key zones. The HEPF Mk-1 (Enhanced) rockets are an upgraded variant with extended range and improved precision for deep strikes into enemy territory.
The Pinaka system is recognized as one of the world’s leading MLRS platforms. It delivers high-explosive ammunition with a range of 45 km and ADM munitions up to 37 km. Extended-range variants developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) can strike targets up to 75 km, with future plans to increase the range to 120 km and, eventually, 300 km.
The contracts were signed in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh in New Delhi. “The procurement of ADM Type-1 (DPICM) and HEPF Mk-1 (E) rockets will mark a significant milestone in the modernisation of the Artillery Rocket Regiments,” the Defence Ministry said in a statement. “These advanced ADM (DPICM) and HEPF ammunition will play a crucial role in bolstering the Indian Army’s firepower by enabling precise and long-range strikes,” it added.
The initiative is expected to generate substantial employment, particularly benefitting MSMEs involved in component manufacturing while strengthening India’s indigenous defence capabilities.
The Ministry of Defence has signed Rs 10,147 Cr deal with Economic Explosives Ltd, Munitions India Ltd & Bharat Electronics Ltd, in the presence of Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh, for advanced PINAKA MLRS rockets & SHAKTI software upgrades. The ADM Type-1 (DPICM)… pic.twitter.com/Z12zN51wFY
— Ministry of Defence, Government of India (@SpokespersonMoD) February 6, 2025
India is promoting the Pinaka system globally, alongside the BrahMos missile and Akash air defence system, which aligns with its push for defence exports. Armenia has already procured the Pinaka and Akash systems, and interest has been expressed by several ASEAN, African, and European nations.
Ravi Shankar
