Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket Successfully Test-Fired at Chandipur

Chandipur: The maiden flight test of the Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR–120) was conducted successfully at the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur on December 29, 2025, marking a significant milestone in India’s indigenous rocket and missile capabilities.

During the trial, the rocket was tested for its maximum range of 120 kilometres, successfully demonstrating all planned in-flight manoeuvres. The LRGR precisely struck the designated target, achieving textbook accuracy and meeting all mission objectives.

All range instrumentation deployed along the trajectory effectively tracked the rocket’s flight performance, validating its guidance, control and navigation systems. The LRGR has been designed by the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) in association with the High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL), with support from the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) and Research Centre Imarat (RCI).

The flight trial was coordinated by the Integrated Test Range (ITR) along with the Proof & Experimental Establishment (P&EE). Notably, the LRGR was launched from the in-service Pinaka launcher, underlining the system’s versatility and its capability to fire different Pinaka variants with varying ranges from the same platform.

Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO on the successful test, stating that the development of long-range guided rockets would significantly enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian Armed Forces. Describing the achievement as a “game changer,” he said it would provide a major boost to India’s defence preparedness.

Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman, DRDO, Dr Samir V Kamat, who witnessed the trial, also congratulated the scientists, engineers and technical teams for the successful accomplishment of the mission and the achievement of all planned objectives.