Article Posted on : - Aug 09, 2013

A file photo.

BALASORE, ODISHA (PTI): Indigenously developed Pinaka rockets were successfully test-fired from a multi- barrel rocket launcher (MBRL) from a base at Chandipur-on-sea near here on Aug 7.

"Two rounds of Pinaka rockets were successfully tested from an armament establishment," defence sources said.

Describing the tests as routine trials conducted for training purpose, they said on January 30 and 31, and February 28, this year, ten rounds of Pinaka rockets were tested from the same base.

Pinaka, which has undergone several tough tests since 1995, has already been inducted into the armed forces.

"In July this year, more advanced, second generation the Pinaka Mark II Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher System had undergone successful firing trials at Chandhan area in Pokhran field firing ranges in western Rajastan and is in development stage," a defence official said.

"The development and trials of the advanced system will continue and the rocket is expected to be pressed into service very soon," he added.

The Aug 7 tests were conducted by personnel from Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), Pune unit at Proof and Experimental Establishment (PXE) firing point-2 at Chandipur, the sources said.