Cabinet Committee on Security Clears Domestic Ammunition Contract

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has approved India's largest domestic contract for ammunition, focusing on the production of rockets worth over ₹10,000 crore. This initiative aims to fulfill the Army's requirements for the next decade.

Key Approvals and Developments

• Pinaka Rockets: The CCS has cleared the procurement of enhanced range Pinaka rockets, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
• Area Denial Munitions (ADM): These munitions, also developed by DRDO, have also received approval for production.

Production and Allocation

• Munitions India Ltd and Economic Explosives Ltd: These entities have been selected for manufacturing, having received the necessary technology from DRDO.
• Contract Allocation:
  1. EEL, being the lowest bidder, will receive 60% of the contract value.
  2. MIL will receive 40% of the value, matching the lower bid price.

Specifications and Future Plans

• Pinaka Mk-I (Enhanced) Rocket System (EPRS):
  1. Range of over 45 km.
  2. Ability to move quickly post-firing to avoid enemy detection.
  3. A longer-range variant capable of striking targets at 75 km has been tested and may be ordered in the future.
  4. Work is ongoing for variants with a 150 km plus range.
• Pinaka ADM Rocket System: Capable of dispersing hundreds of bomblets over a large area to deny enemy access and target personnel and armor formations.

Current and Future Army Requirements

The Army currently has 10 Pinaka regiments ordered and is expected to increase this number due to the system's success.