Bhubaneswar: India took a significant step forward in strengthening its defence capabilities with the successful maiden flight test of the Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR-120) at the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, in Odisha on Monday.
The rocket was test-fired for its maximum range of 120 kilometres, during which it executed all planned in-flight manoeuvres with precision. Officials said the LRGR accurately struck its designated target, meeting all mission objectives. The entire flight trajectory was continuously tracked by range instruments deployed at the test range.
The LRGR-120 has been designed by the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) in collaboration with the High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL), with support from the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) and Research Centre Imarat (RCI). The trial was coordinated by the Integrated Test Range along with the Proof & Experimental Establishment (PXE).
The rocket was launched from an in-service Pinaka launcher, demonstrating the system’s versatility and its ability to fire multiple Pinaka variants of varying ranges from the same platform. Officials said the successful trial underscores the growing capability of indigenous artillery rocket systems.
Congratulating the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on the achievement, Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh said the successful design and development of long-range guided rockets would significantly enhance the operational strength of the Armed Forces. He described the achievement as a “game changer” for India’s defence preparedness.
Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman, DRDO, Dr Samir V Kamat, who witnessed the trial at Chandipur, also congratulated the scientists, engineers and technical teams for successfully accomplishing the mission objectives.
The successful test once again highlights Odisha’s Chandipur test range as a critical hub for India’s advanced missile and rocket development programmes.
