Operation Sindoor thrust India's Akash missile system into the spotlight, showcasing the indigenous air-defence platform in a live combat environment. As countries grapple with missile threats, drone swarms and shortages of advanced systems such as the Patriot, India's defence industry is emerging as an increasingly attractive alternative. Backed by Vision 2030, New Delhi is building a mature defence-industrial complex, with production crossing $18 billion and exports reaching more than 80 countries. From Akash and Pinaka to advanced drones, radars and electronic warfare systems, India is rapidly transitioning from one of the world's largest arms importers to a significant exporter of next-generation military technology.


India's defence revolution: How Akash is driving a global military push

Operation Sindoor thrust India's Akash missile system into the spotlight, showcasing the indigenous air-defence platform in a live combat environment. As countries grapple with missile threats, drone swarms and shortages of advanced systems such as the Patriot, India's defence industry is emerging as an increasingly attractive alternative. Backed by Vision 2030, New Delhi is building a mature defence-industrial complex, with production crossing $18 billion and exports reaching more than 80 countries. From Akash and Pinaka to advanced drones, radars and electronic warfare systems, India is rapidly transitioning from one of the world's largest arms importers to a significant exporter of next-generation military technology.

In this special story of WION's brand new show Defence Pulse we break down India's explosive transition from the world's top arms importer to a powerhouse weapons exporter. Watch how Armenia is closing in on 50 Pralay ballistic missiles, why Egypt is considering the Pinaka multi-barrel rocket system over the American HIMARS, and how Indonesia became the latest customer for the lethal BrahMos cruise missile. Discover the full scale of New Delhi’s expanding military footprint across Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America.


Indian 'HIMARS' Pinaka in high demand | Egypt, Armenia, Indonesia rush for Indian missiles

India's defence exports are gaining momentum as countries increasingly show interest in its indigenous weapon systems. Armenia is reportedly looking at the Pralay missile, while Egypt is evaluating the Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher. The growing international demand highlights India's emergence as a major defence manufacturer and exporter. With comparisons being drawn between Pinaka and the U.S.-made HIMARS system, India's homegrown firepower is attracting attention in an increasingly competitive global arms market.


Pinaka vs HIMARS: India enters the global rocket race 

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully conducted the maiden flight test of the Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket at the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur.

India Conducts Maiden Flight Test of 'Pinaka' in Odisha

As part of efforts to further strengthen its long-range artillery capabilities post Operation Sindoor, the Indian Army is looking to induct 120 km strike range Pinaka rockets in a proposal worth around Rs 2500 crore.&nbsp;The rockets with the capability to strike targets at 120 kilometres would be developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation, and the first trials are planned to be carried out in the near future, and then it would be developed with the Development-cum-Production Partners who would be chosen after a bidding process, defence officials told ANI. The Army's proposal for approval for the project is set to be taken up for clearance by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) very soon, sources said.&nbsp;The Rajnath Singh-led Defence Ministry has been pushing the case for developing the indigenous multi-barrel rocket launchers which have also been exported to friendly foreign countries in the recent past.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-we-want-made-in-india-aircraft-aviation-minister-tells-lok-sabha-says-govt-can-cap-airfares-only-in-extraordinary-situations-1765550757769">‘We want Made-in-India aircraft’: Aviation Minister tells Lok Sabha, says govt can cap airfares only in extraordinary situations</a>&nbsp;The new 120 km strike range rockets of the Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher system would be capable of being launched from the same launcher, which at present can hit targets at 40 km and 75 plus km, the officials said.&nbsp;The Indian Army is also looking at strengthening the existing Pinaka regiments and had recently placed orders for buying the area denial ammunition for these rocket regiments.Earlier this year, the Ministry of Defence inked contracts with Economic Explosive Limited (EEL) and Munitions India Limited (MIL) for the procurement of Area Denial Munition (ADM) Type-1 (DPICM) and High Explosive Pre Fragmented (HEPF) Mk-1 (Enhanced) rockets respectively for PINAKA Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) at a total cost of Rs 10,147 crore.&nbsp;In addition, a contract for upgrades in SHAKTI Software has also been signed with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). The contracts were signed in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.&nbsp;The Pinaka Multiple Launcher Rocket System (MLRS) is a long-range artillery weapon developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).&nbsp;Known for its rapid response and precision, the Pinaka system enhances the Indian Army's capability in modern warfare. The DRDO is already in the advanced stages of developing a 120-km strike version of the Pinaka rocket and is expected to conduct its first test in the next financial year.&nbsp;One of the biggest success stories among Indigenous weapon systems, the Army is fully backing the missiles, as Chief of Army Staff Gen Upendra Dwivedi has already made clear that, as soon as longer-range versions of the Pinaka are ready, the force might drop plans for other alternate weapons.&nbsp;The Pinaka has been a major success story in the export sector as it has been bought by Armenia, while many European countries, including France, are showing interest in it.

The new 120 km strike range rockets of the Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher system would be capable of being launched from the same launcher, which at present can hit targets at 40 km and 75 plus km.

As part of efforts to further strengthen its long-range artillery capabilities post Operation Sindoor, the Indian Army is looking to induct 120 km strike range Pinaka rockets in a proposal worth around Rs 2500 crore. The rockets with the capability to strike targets at 120 kilometres would be developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation, and the first trials are planned to be carried out in the near future, and then it would be developed with the Development-cum-Production Partners who would be chosen after a bidding process, defence officials told ANI. The Army's proposal for approval for the project is set to be taken up for clearance by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) very soon, sources said. The Rajnath Singh-led Defence Ministry has been pushing the case for developing the indigenous multi-barrel rocket launchers which have also been exported to friendly foreign countries in the recent past. Also Read: ‘We want Made-in-India aircraft’: Aviation Minister tells Lok Sabha, says govt can cap airfares only in extraordinary situations The new 120 km strike range rockets of the Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher system would be capable of being launched from the same launcher, which at present can hit targets at 40 km and 75 plus km, the officials said. The Indian Army is also looking at strengthening the existing Pinaka regiments and had recently placed orders for buying the area denial ammunition for these rocket regiments. Earlier this year, the Ministry of Defence inked contracts with Economic Explosive Limited (EEL) and Munitions India Limited (MIL) for the procurement of Area Denial Munition (ADM) Type-1 (DPICM) and High Explosive Pre Fragmented (HEPF) Mk-1 (Enhanced) rockets respectively for PINAKA Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) at a total cost of Rs 10,147 crore. In addition, a contract for upgrades in SHAKTI Software has also been signed with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). The contracts were signed in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. The Pinaka Multiple Launcher Rocket System (MLRS) is a long-range artillery weapon developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Known for its rapid response and precision, the Pinaka system enhances the Indian Army's capability in modern warfare. The DRDO is already in the advanced stages of developing a 120-km strike version of the Pinaka rocket and is expected to conduct its first test in the next financial year. One of the biggest success stories among Indigenous weapon systems, the Army is fully backing the missiles, as Chief of Army Staff Gen Upendra Dwivedi has already made clear that, as soon as longer-range versions of the Pinaka are ready, the force might drop plans for other alternate weapons. The Pinaka has been a major success story in the export sector as it has been bought by Armenia, while many European countries, including France, are showing interest in it.

The new 120 km strike range rockets of the Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher system would be capable of being launched from the same launcher, which at present can hit targets at 40 km and 75 plus km.

Indian Army submits proposal to acquire 120-km long-range guided Pinaka rockets

Defence exports surged to Rs. 21,083 crore in FY 2023-24, representing a 32.5 per cent increase over the previous year. India now exports to more than 85 countries. 

Defence exports surged to Rs. 21,083 crore in FY 2023-24, representing a 32.5 per cent increase over the previous year. India now exports to more than 85 countries.&nbsp;

From BrahMos to Pinaka: Made-in-India arms that foreign militaries are lining up to purchase

The Indian Army's head of Artillery division, Lt Gen Adosh Kumar has said that India was able to "neutralize" Pakistan's "imported weapons" during operation Sindoor. The counter terror operation by India, after the Pahalgam terror attack, saw India striking on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan occupied Kashmir. Speaking to Sidhant Sibal on WION podcast said, " Our indigenous weapons successfully neutralized the enemy's fancied imported weapons and equipment. We need to sustain this momentum. We need to invest more in R&D  ". Lt Gen Adosh Kumar was commissioned into the Indian Army in June 1986, and has over 39 years of experience. He took charge as the Director General of Artillery in May 2023. The regiment of artillery is the second largest operational arm of the Indian Army, after the infantry. Comprising over 250 units, the regiment manages a wide array of artillery systems, guns, rockets, missiles and surveillance assets.  


India to get new Pinaka variant: DG Artillery, Indian Army

In a major boost to India's Global defense prominence, France is now eyeing the country's indigenous Pinaka rocket launcher system for potential use by its own military. Watch in for more details!

Pinaka Rocket Launcher: India's Multi-Barrel Rocket System Gains Global Attention

France is considering acquiring India's Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher, following its successful export to Armenia and strong performance in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Watch this report for more details!

India's Pinaka Rocket Launcher Catches France's Eye

The DRDO designed the Pinaka weapon system, which is built in India and named after the bow of the god Shiva. "We have already succeeded in exporting the Pinaka MBRLs to Armenia," the spokesperson said. Given the system's potential, two South American countries have expressed interest in it.

All you need to know about the Indian-made Pinaka weapons system

Armenia has sealed the deal to procure missiles, rockets and ammunition from India. Why has Armenia opted for India’s Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launchers? What’s so special about them and what all else has been procured from India’s military arsenal in this deal. Let’s get in to it.

Armenia bags India's indigenous Pinaka weapons system

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India's defence revolution: How Akash is driving a global military push

India's defence revolution: How Akash is driving a global military push

Indian 'HIMARS' Pinaka in high demand | Egypt, Armenia, Indonesia rush for Indian missiles

Pinaka vs HIMARS: India enters the global rocket race

India Conducts Maiden Flight Test of 'Pinaka' in Odisha

Indian Army submits proposal to acquire 120-km long-range guided Pinaka rockets

BrahMos, Pinaka, and more: India’s arsenal turning heads worldwide

India to get new Pinaka variant: DG Artillery, Indian Army

Pinaka Rocket Launcher: India's Multi-Barrel Rocket System Gains Global Attention

India's Pinaka Rocket Launcher Catches France's Eye

All you need to know about the Indian-made Pinaka weapons system

Armenia bags India's indigenous Pinaka weapons system