Hyderabad: Defense relations between India and France are very deep. A big trade deal is going to happen between the two countries. For this, French President Emmanuel Macron has come to India. There is a possibility of a deal in areas like defence, trade, skill development, health and supply chain in the bilateral talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Macron in Mumbai. Amidst all this, a big thing is also coming to light that France will buy weapons from India for its army.
Especially India’s Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher system. If this deal is done with Rafale aircraft then it will be a big deal for India’s arms exports. Because France is a developed country. France has a large share of the global arms market. Apart from being a member of NATO, it is also a super power. In such a situation, if France trusts Pinaka, it will be a big thing for the credibility of India’s weapons. Let us know, what is the specialty of Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher System and why is France buying it?
What is Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher System: Pinaka is an excellent multi-barrel rocket launcher system of India, which gives a tough competition to any system in the world in its category. This system has direct competition with the American rocket system HIMARS and the Russian Tornado-S. Pinaka successfully targeted Pakistani missile launchers, artillery and supply lines during Kargil and Operation Sindoor.
Where did the negotiations reach for the Pinaka deal: Talks are going on between France and India for the Pinaka rocket system. French Army Chief General Pierre Schille, during his visit to India in October 2025, test-fired the Indian Pinaka to upgrade the long-range rocket launcher for his army. He specifically mentioned India’s possible purchase of Pinaka. Earlier in 2024, a French delegation had evaluated the Pinaka system and found its performance satisfactory.
Does France not have any rocket launcher of its own: At present, the French Army has a rocket launcher system called M270 Lance Roquettes Unitaire, which is quite old. France wants to upgrade it. However, France is also preparing its new rocket system Frap Long Porte Terrestrial System. But, it is believed that it will take a lot of time for it to be ready. In such a situation, France wants to buy Pinaka to meet the needs of the army.
Features of Pinaka: Actually, Pinaka is a very economical rocket system, which competes with the American system Hummers in quality. Pinaka has been in the Indian Army for the last three decades and is continuously being upgraded. It had shown its capability in the Kargil war. Armenia has already purchased this system from India.
What is the fire power of Pinaka: At present the strike capability of Pinaka is in the range of 75 to 90 km. India has also developed Pinaka MK3, which has a range of 120 to 130 km. Apart from this, work is also going on on Pinaka MK4, whose range is expected to be up to 300 km. Pinaka has always been in the top-5 in the global ranking of multi-barrel rocket systems. The range of the American system is 300 to 499 km while that of Russia is 120-200 km. Although Pinaka has less range, its rapid fire capability outweighs the others. It fires 12 rockets in 44 seconds whereas the American Hummers fires six rockets in 45 seconds.
Pinaka is much cheaper than American rocket launcher: Even in terms of price, Pinaka is much cheaper than rocket launchers of other countries. Talking about American rocket system, it costs around Rs 19.5 crore. Whereas, India’s Pinaka is only worth Rs 2.3 crore. That means India’s system is about 8 times cheaper than America’s. DRDO has made it completely in indigenous style. All spare parts are made in the country itself.
India will buy 114 Rafale aircraft from France: The deal for 114 Rafale aircraft of 4.5+ generation can be sealed in talks with PM Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron. Which will be a deal worth around Rs 3.25 lakh crore. Under this deal, Rafale will be manufactured in India for the first time. About 90 aircraft will be manufactured in India and about 50% indigenous equipment will be used in them. These aircraft will help improve the declining squadron strength of the Indian Air Force (currently 29, target 42).
India-France will jointly manufacture HAMMER missiles: India and France will also talk about forming a joint venture to manufacture Hammer missiles. This agreement will be between Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Safran Company of France. Hammer is a smart air-to-ground missile which is used in Rafale aircraft.
France will prepare jet engines for India’s fighter planes: French company Safran will help in manufacturing 120kN capacity jet engine for Indian fighter aircraft. Safran company is also building an MRO (maintenance and repair) center for Rafale’s M88 engines in Hyderabad.
There will be talk on submarines also: Through this dialogue, both the countries will extend their strategic defense cooperation agreement for the next 10 years. Along with this, there will also be talks regarding the construction of 3 additional Scorpene submarines. These submarines can be built at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders (MDL).