Army Ties Up With L&T, Tata For Pinaka Upgrade

The Indian Army is quietly but steadily strengthening one of its most important artillery systems. The focus this time is not on buying new weapons, but on making sure the ones already in service remain modern, reliable, and ready for future challenges.

The Army has signed a contract with private defence manufacturers Larsen & Toubro and Tata Advanced Systems to upgrade and maintain the indigenous Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher system. Both companies have been involved with Pinaka for years and know the platform inside out.

This move fits into a larger shift happening inside India’s defence ecosystem. Instead of relying only on emergency repairs or foreign support, the army is now focusing on long-term maintenance and planned upgrades with Indian industry. But why does this partnership matter so much right now?

What Is Being Upgraded In The Pinaka System?

The contract covers the overhaul, upgrade, and long-term maintenance of Pinaka rocket launcher systems already deployed with the Indian Army. Over time, even the best systems face wear and tear. Electronics become outdated, parts go out of production, and software needs improvement.

Under this programme, outdated components will be replaced, key sub-systems will be upgraded, and technical support will be provided on a sustained basis. The idea is simple. Keep the system modern instead of waiting for problems to appear.

A key role will be played by the Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers, which handles technical maintenance for the Army. The actual overhaul work will be done at the 510 Army Base Workshop. This workshop already has deep experience with military equipment and will handle critical electronic systems.

L&T, as the original equipment manufacturer, will supply essential spare parts and guide the modernisation of sub-systems. This changes the maintenance approach from routine repairs to a full lifecycle-based system. In the first phase, a pilot overhaul of one Pinaka launcher and one Battery Command Post will be carried out. Once that is completed successfully, the same process will be applied to the remaining systems.

Why Is Pinaka A Critical Weapon For The Army?

The Pinaka system was developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and is one of India’s biggest defence success stories. It is an indigenous multi-barrel rocket launcher designed for rapid, high-volume fire against area targets.

Pinaka has steadily evolved over the years. Earlier versions had shorter ranges, but newer variants can strike targets over much longer distances. A long-range version capable of hitting targets at 75 km has also been tested successfully and is expected to be ordered. Meanwhile, work is underway to push this range beyond 150 km in the future. The system is now the army’s primary rocket artillery platform. Last year, the government signed its largest-ever domestic ammunition contract, worth over ₹10,000 crore, for Pinaka rockets. These will be manufactured in India to meet the Army's needs for the next decade.

Tata Advanced Systems has already achieved nearly 80% indigenous content in Pinaka launcher manufacturing. The company has delivered a large number of systems that are currently deployed with army units across the country.

Why This Partnership Matters Beyond Just Pinaka

This deal is about more than just one rocket system. It reflects a deeper shift in how India manages its defence equipment, with domestic private manufacturers and the army working together in a structured way to support frontline artillery systems throughout their full life cycle.

According to L&T, this partnership strengthens the public-private model in defence maintenance. It also reduces dependence on foreign vendors and improves readiness during critical situations. Instead of waiting for failures, the Army can plan upgrades in advance.

Officials believe this approach could become a blueprint for similar programmes across other defence platforms. It also aligns closely with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision, where the Indian industry supports Indian military needs from design to deployment and long-term support.

For the army, the benefit is quite straightforward. Improved availability, enhanced reliability, and a combat capability that remains so for the foreseeable future. And for Indian defence companies, this signifies a level of engagement that is longer-term. As for the nation, this signifies progress towards a more autonomous future-enabled environment.

Sources:

Economic Times
Business Standard
MSN