In a landmark moment for India’s indigenous defense capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted the maiden flight test of the Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR-120) on Monday, December 29, 2025.
The test, carried out at the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur, Odisha, marks a massive leap in the Indian Army’s deep-strike and precision artillery capabilities.
Key Highlights of the Test
- Strike Range: The rocket was tested for its maximum range of 120 kilometers, a significant upgrade from the existing Pinaka variants that reach up to 75–80 km.
- Precision Performance: The Ministry of Defence reported that the rocket impacted its target with “textbook precision,” successfully demonstrating all planned in-flight maneuvers.
- Platform Versatility: The LRGR-120 was launched from an in-service Pinaka launcher. This confirms that the new long-range ammunition is compatible with existing infrastructure, allowing the Army to upgrade its firepower without needing entirely new launch vehicles.
- Approval for Induction: In a rare “same-day” milestone, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, cleared the procurement of this ammunition for the Indian Army just hours before the successful flight test was announced.
Technical Development
The LRGR-120 is the result of a collaborative effort between several DRDO laboratories: - Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) – Lead designer.
- High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL) – Responsible for the propellant and energetics.
- Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) & Research Centre Imarat (RCI) – Provided critical guidance and navigation support.
Why It’s a “Game Changer”
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described the development as a “game changer” for several strategic reasons: - Stand-off Capability: With a 120 km range, the Indian Army can now engage high-value enemy assets (like command centers, fuel depots, and communication hubs) from well behind the forward line of own troops, ensuring higher survivability for our artillery regiments.
- Precision at Scale: Unlike traditional unguided rockets, the “Guided” aspect ensures that the rocket can adjust its path mid-flight to hit specific targets, reducing collateral damage and increasing mission success rates.
- Countering Adversaries: The development directly addresses regional threats, specifically matching or exceeding the capabilities of rocket systems like the Chinese PHL-03 and the Pakistani A-100.
- Export Potential: The Pinaka system has already seen international success with exports to Armenia. This new 120 km variant is expected to attract significant interest from other global partners, including European nations like France.
Future Roadmap
This test is only the beginning of the next phase of Indian artillery. The DRDO is reportedly already working on even longer-range versions of the Pinaka, with a goal of reaching 300 km in the future, which would effectively blur the line between traditional rocket artillery and short-range ballistic missiles.