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Indian Army has roped in defence majors Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and Tata Advanced Systems (TASL), to carry out the overhaul and upgrade of its in-service indigenous Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher systems (MBRLS), underscoring a renewed focus on lifecycle management and operational readiness of artillery assets.
The big ticket awads concluded within days of each other, reflect the ArmyтАЩs move to leverage original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to manage obsolescence, extend service life, and improve the availability of key combat systems.
L&TтАУArmy collaboration
L&T has secured an order from the Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME) for the overhaul, upgradation and obsolescence management of Pinaka systems currently deployed with the Indian Army.
In an exchange filing, L&T said the programme aims to enhance long-term operational availability and modernisation of Pinaka regiments through the replacement of outdated components, upgrades to critical sub-systems and sustained technical support to Army Base Workshops (ABWs).
The 510 Army Base Workshop (ABW) of the Corps of EME will carry out the overhaul and upgrade of key electronic and system elements, drawing on in-house domain expertise. L&T will supply critical spares and support the modernisation of sub-systems, facilitating a shift from conventional maintenance to a structured, lifecycle-based sustenance framework as part of the initiative.
In the initial phase, L&T and 510 ABW will jointly execute a pilot overhaul of the Pinaka launcher and the battery command post. Following the pilot, the remaining systems will be overhauled by 510 ABW, with L&T continuing to provide spares, technical support and quality oversight.
The company said the model is expected to serve as a template for similar lifecycle management and upgrade programmes across other defence platforms, in line with the governmentтАЩs Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Tata Advanced Systems partnership
The L&T engagement comes just two days after the Indian Army handed over a supply order to Tata Advanced Systems to support 510 ABW in the overhaul-cum-upgradation of first-generation Pinaka Multiple Launch Rocket Systems and Battery Command Posts.
Under the Tata-Army collaboration, TASL and 510 ABW will initially undertake a pilot overhaul of select Pinaka MLRS and BCPs. Upon completion, the remaining systems will be refurbished by 510 ABW, with Tata Advanced Systems providing critical spares, quality assurance and technical support, the company said.
Tata Advanced Systems, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tata Sons, partnered with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to design and develop the Pinaka MLRSтАФan all-weather, indirect-fire artillery system capable of delivering high-volume firepower against critical targets.
The company has delivered a significant number of Pinaka launchers, which are currently deployed with the Indian Army, strengthening its land combat systems portfolio.
Mounted on an 8├Ч8 high-mobility vehicle, the Pinaka MLRS features automated shoot-and-scoot capability, an all-electric servo-drive system, and an inertial navigation-based digital control and positioning system, enabling rapid deployment, high survivability, and net-centric operations. The launcher can fire Pinaka Mk-I rockets and is capable of firing guided rockets with minimal modifications.
Tata Advanced Systems has been associated with the Pinaka programme since 1989, securing a landmark contract in 2006 for the second Pinaka regiment, followed by repeat orders in 2016 and a 2020 contract under which two of six additional regiments were allotted to the company.
Team BharatShakti
