The defence ministry on Monday signed contracts worth Rs2,580 crore with three private sector companies in the country for supply of Pinaka multi barrel rocket launchers for the Indian Army, in a further boost to `Make in India’
The acquisition wing of the ministry of defence signed contracts with Bharat Earth Movers Ltd (BEML), Tata Power Company Ltd (TPCL) and Larsen & Toubro (L&T) for supply of six Pinaka regiments to the Army’s Artillery Regiment, at an approximate cost of Rs2,580 crore.
This comprises 114 launchers with automated gun aiming and positioning system (AGAPS) and 45 command posts to be procured from TPCL and L&T and 330 vehicles to be procured from BEML. These six Pinaka regiments will be operationalised along the northern and eastern borders of the country further enhancing the operation preparedness of the armed forces. Induction of six Pinaka regiments is planned to be completed by 2024.
Defence minister Rajnath Singh and finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman have approved this project under `Buy (Indian)’ category, with 70 per cent indigenous content.
The Pinaka multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) has been indigenously designed and developed by DRDO and productionised by the three defence manufacturers. This is a flagship project showcasing public private partnership of the government (DRDO and MoD) in the country’s march towards `Aatmnirbhar Bharat’ in cutting edge defence technologies.