Balasore (Orissa), April 28, 2005 (PTI)

India's indigenously developed multi-barrel rocket system 'Pinaka' was successfully test-fired from the Proof and Experimental Establishment (P and E) of Defence Research and Development Organisation at Chandipur-on-Sea, about 15 km from here today.

Defence sources said two rounds of 'Pinaka' were test-fired between 1215 hours and 1245 hours.

The 10-foot-long ground target mobile launch artillery rocket has been designed and developed at the Armament Research and Development Establishment in Pune.

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

However, today's trial is said to be aimed at improving the entire system and sub-system of rockets developed by the DRDO.

The sophisticated rocket is an area weapon system aimed at supplementing the existing artillery guns at a range beyond 30 kilometre. Its quick reaction time and high rate of fire gives the Indian Army an edge during low intensity war-like situations.

Earlier, the Indian Army was solely dependent upon foreign countries, mainly Russia, for the multi-barrel rocket launcher system, the sources said.

The unguided rocket system, which was test fired here was meant to neutralise a bigger geographical area with its rapid salvo of rockets.

Having a range of 39 km, Pinaka can fire a salvo of 12 rockets within 44 seconds. One salvo each (12 rockets) from the battery of six launchers can neutralise a target area of 3.9 sq km at a time.

Its capability to get fitted with different types of warhead rendered it deadly for the enemy as it could even destroy their solid structures and bunkers, the sources said.