Indian Army Raises 7th Pinaka Regiment; 8th Set to Become Operational Soon
Reported by Akshata Pawar
New Delhi, 16th March 2026: In a significant boost to India’s long-range artillery capabilities, the Indian Army has operationalised its 7th Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher regiment as of March 2026, further strengthening its strike capability along the northern and western borders.
The Pinaka system, an indigenous multi-barrel rocket launcher developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and manufactured in collaboration with Larsen & Toubro and Tata Power, is capable of unleashing devastating firepower in a short span. The system can fire 72 rockets within 44 seconds and strike targets up to 90 kilometres away, making it one of the most potent artillery platforms in India’s arsenal.
The development comes as the Army accelerates the expansion of the Pinaka Multi Barrel Rocket Launcher regiments to modernise its artillery and enhance deterrence against potential threats along the borders with China and Pakistan.
According to available information, the 8th Pinaka regiment is currently undergoing conversion and is expected to become operational before the end of 2026. The Army is working toward fielding 10 Pinaka regiments in the near term, with long-term plans to expand the fleet to as many as 22 regiments over the next decade.
Each Pinaka regiment comprises 18 launchers, and every launcher can fire 12 rockets in a rapid salvo within 44 seconds, enabling the Army to deliver intense and precise area saturation during combat operations.
The newly raised regiments also feature several technological upgrades, including advanced tracking systems, Automated Gun Aiming and Positioning Systems (AGAPS), and extended-range rockets, significantly improving accuracy, responsiveness, and strike range.
Strategically, the expansion of Pinaka regiments is aimed at strengthening India’s artillery posture along sensitive sectors while gradually replacing older Soviet-origin BM‑21 Grad Multiple Rocket Launcher systems with the indigenous platform.
The Pinaka system has also begun attracting international interest, reflecting India’s growing defence manufacturing capabilities under its push for indigenous military technologies.
Key Highlights :
– The 7th Pinaka rocket regiment of the Indian Army has been operationalised in March 2026.
-The 8th Pinaka regiment is under conversion and expected to become operational before the end of 2026.
-The Pinaka Multi Barrel Rocket Launcher, developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation, can fire 72 rockets in 44 seconds up to 90 km.
-Each regiment consists of 18 launchers, with each launcher capable of firing 12 rockets rapidly.
-The Army aims to field 10 regiments soon, with plans to expand to 22 regiments in the next decade.
-New regiments include AGAPS, advanced tracking systems, and extended-range rockets.
-The system is gradually replacing older BM‑21 Grad Multiple Rocket Launcher systems.
-Deployment focuses on strengthening artillery along the borders with China and Pakistan.
-Indigenous production involves Larsen & Toubro and Tata Power.
