New Delhi: India’s 120 Km Guided Pinaka Rocket could soon find its first international customer in Armenia. The advanced long-range rocket is being developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and is designed to deliver greater range and precision while remaining compatible with existing Pinaka launchers.
Official DRDO testing has already demonstrated the rocket’s ability to strike targets at a range of 120 km with high accuracy, making it a major upgrade for artillery forces.
Details of India Armenia Pinaka Rocket Deal
Armenia is considered the most likely launch customer for India’s upcoming 120 km Guided Pinaka rocket. The country already operates the 75 km Guided Pinaka system purchased from India.
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This existing experience gives Armenian forces a significant advantage when adopting the longer-range version. Defence reports indicate that Armenian authorities have been closely following the progress of the new rocket program as developmental trials continue.
What Makes The 120 Km Guided Pinaka Important
The new Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR-120) represents a major leap in India’s artillery capabilities. In December 2025, DRDO successfully conducted the maiden flight test of the Pinaka LRGR-120 at the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha. The rocket achieved its maximum range of 120 km and hit the designated target with high precision.
The system has also successfully completed additional user-range validation tests, demonstrating its operational reliability.
What are the Features Of The 120 Km Guided Pinaka Rocket
- Maximum strike range of 120 km.
- Guided precision targeting capability.
- Ability to engage high-value targets deep inside enemy territory.
- Compatible with existing Pinaka launcher platforms.
- Reduced need for expensive infrastructure upgrades.
- Enhanced battlefield survivability through long-range engagement.
No Major Launcher Modifications Required
One of the biggest advantages of the LRGR-120 is its compatibility with current Pinaka launchers. According to official DRDO test data, the rocket was successfully fired from an in-service Pinaka launcher. This confirms that armed forces can deploy the new ammunition without replacing their existing launcher fleet.
For Armenia, this means the transition to the longer-range rocket could be relatively smooth and cost-effective. Military planners can gain significantly improved strike capability while avoiding major investments in new launch systems and command infrastructure.
How The India Armenia Pinaka Rocket Deal Boosts Armenia’s Firepower
Modern warfare increasingly relies on long-range precision artillery. The 120 km Guided Pinaka rocket would allow Armenian forces to strike command centers, logistics hubs, ammunition depots, and other strategic targets at much greater distances.
The extended range also helps launch platforms stay farther away from enemy counter-battery fire, improving crew safety and operational flexibility.
Greater Operational Reach
The new rocket more than extends the engagement envelope compared with earlier Pinaka variants, allowing deeper precision strikes.
Cost-Effective Capability Upgrade
Existing Pinaka operators can use the new rocket without a complete launcher replacement program.
Improved Precision
The guided rocket offers much higher accuracy than traditional unguided artillery rockets, increasing effectiveness against critical targets.
India’s Growing Defence Export Success
India has been steadily expanding its presence in the global defence market. The Pinaka rocket system has emerged as one of the country’s most successful indigenous defence products. Armenia has already become a major customer for Indian military equipment, including artillery systems, weapon-locating radars, and rocket launchers. The potential export of the 120 km Guided Pinaka would further strengthen defence cooperation between New Delhi and Yerevan.
DRDO’s Long-Term Pinaka Roadmap
The LRGR-120 is only one step in the future evolution of the Pinaka family. DRDO is also exploring longer-range variants that could reach beyond 200 km, while additional concepts are being studied for even greater strike ranges.
These developments are intended to provide the Indian Armed Forces and friendly foreign partners with advanced precision-strike capabilities for future battlefields.
Read also: Why Armenia Is Choosing Indian Missiles Instead of New Fighter Jets to Counter Azerbaijan
FAQs
Armenia already operates the 75 km Guided Pinaka system, making integration of the longer-range version easier and more cost-effective.
The new Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR-120) has a maximum range of 120 kilometers and has successfully completed official flight tests conducted by DRDO.
No. DRDO has demonstrated that the LRGR-120 can be launched from existing Pinaka launchers, reducing upgrade costs and simplifying deployment.
