India strengthened its defence export footprint as Defence Minister Rajnath Singh flagged off the first batch of guided Pinaka rockets from Nagpur for Armenia. The multi-barrel rocket launcher, celebrated for its accuracy and extended range, highlights India’s rise as a reliable supplier of advanced defence technology. The Pinaka, initially with a 37.5 km range, has been upgraded to 75 km, with trials of a 120 km version successfully completed. Singh noted that India has transitioned from an importer to a major exporter, with defence exports rising from under ₹1,000 crore a decade ago to ₹24,000 crore today. Armenia is the first confirmed buyer, and several countries, including France, the Philippines, and Vietnam, have expressed interest in the system.
