India dispatches inaugural batch of guided Pinaka rockets to Armenia

By Admin

19 Jan, 2026

India has taken another decisive step in strengthening its defence export footprint with the dispatch of the inaugural batch of guided Pinaka rockets to Armenia. This development highlights India’s growing role as a reliable defence manufacturing and exporting nation, driven by indigenous innovation and private-sector participation.

Flag-off of the first consignment

The export of the first consignment of Guided Pinaka Rockets to Armenia was formally flagged off by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh from the Nagpur manufacturing facility of Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited. The ceremony marked a major milestone for India’s defence exports, with senior officials including Defence Secretary RK Singh and the top leadership of SDAL in attendance.

India–Armenia defence partnership

Armenia had earlier signed a ₹2,000 crore agreement for four Pinaka batteries, which included gun launcher systems, guided rockets, and other defence equipment. Deliveries of the launcher systems began in July 2023 and were completed by November 2024. As guided rockets become ready, SDAL will continue shipping them to Armenia, reinforcing the long-term defence cooperation between the two countries.

Guided Pinaka and Indian Army induction

The guided version of the Pinaka rocket system significantly enhances accuracy and strike capability compared to earlier variants. Its induction into the Indian Army is planned in the coming days, strengthening India’s own artillery capabilities while showcasing a proven system to global partners.

Boost to indigenous ammunition manufacturing

During the same event, Rajnath Singh inaugurated SDAL’s state-of-the-art medium calibre ammunition manufacturing facility in Nagpur. This initiative aligns with the government’s push to reduce import dependence. India has already achieved nearly 91 per cent indigenisation in ammunition, reflecting steady progress toward self-reliance.

Medium-calibre ammunition ranging from 23 mm to 40 mm is critical for infantry combat, armoured vehicles, naval gun systems, and aircraft-mounted cannons. Until now, a large portion of these munitions was imported, exposing India to geopolitical and supply-chain risks. The new fully automated facility will manufacture 100 per cent indigenous 23 mm, 30 mm, and 40 mm ammunition.

Advanced systems and future readiness

At the inauguration, Rajnath Singh praised the Nagastra-1 loitering munition developed by the Solar Group for its successful deployment during Operation Sindoor. He noted that advanced variants, Nagastra-2 and Nagastra-3, are in the final stages of development, underlining India’s focus on next-generation warfare systems.

The Defence Minister also highlighted the Bhargavastra anti-drone system, a micro-missile-based hard-kill solution that has already undergone successful test launches. These developments demonstrate India’s expanding capabilities in counter-drone and precision-strike technologies.

Strengthening exports and self-reliance

The dispatch of guided Pinaka rockets to Armenia, combined with the launch of advanced ammunition manufacturing and testing infrastructure, reflects India’s dual strategy of strengthening national defence preparedness while emerging as a trusted exporter. With robust indigenous design, production, and testing capabilities, India is steadily positioning itself as a global hub for reliable and advanced defence solutions.