India's indigenously developed multi-barrel rocket system, 'Pinaka', was successfully test-fired from the Proof and Experimental Establishment of the Defence and Research Development Organisation at Chandipur-on-Sea on Thursday.
Defence sources said the test-firing was held twice between 1215 IST and 1245 IST.
The 10-foot ground target mobile launch artillery rocket has been designed and developed at the Armament Research and Development Establishment in Pune.
Pinaka, which has undergone several tough tests since 1995, has been inducted into the armed forces. However, Thursday's trial is said to be aimed at improving the entire system and sub-system of rockets developed by the DRDO.
The sophisticated rocket is an area weapon system aimed at supplementing the existing artillery guns with a range beyond 30 km. Its quick reaction time and high rate of fire gives the Indian Army an edge during low intensity war-like situations.
Earlier, the army was solely dependent upon other countries, mainly Russia, for the multi-barrel rocket launcher system, the sources said.
The unguided rocket system is meant to neutralise a bigger geographical area with its rapid salvo of rockets. Having a range of 39 km, Pinaka can fire a salvo of 12 rockets within 44 seconds. One salvo each (12 rockets) from the battery of six launchers can neutralise a target area of 3.9 sq km.
Its capability to get fitted with different types of warhead will render it deadly for the enemy as it can even destroy their solid structures and bunkers, the sources said.
