In a significant development marking the deepening defense ties between India and France, the French Army is currently evaluating India’s indigenous Pinaka Multiple Barrel Rocket Launcher System (MBRLS) for its land forces. French Army Brigadier General Stéphane Richou revealed the consideration of the Pinaka system during his recent visit to India, expressing a keen interest in its capabilities.
This potential acquisition by France is more than just a transaction; it reflects an evolving strategic partnership between the two nations, extending into technological and defense collaboration. Over the years, India and France have emerged as key defense partners, sharing assets such as Rafale fighter jets and Scorpène submarines. If the Pinaka MBRLS meets France’s requirements, this could bolster both countries’ positions as defense leaders, showcasing India’s potential as a global defense supplier and signaling a commitment to joint defense initiatives.
Brigadier General Richou underscored that evaluating the Pinaka system is part of a broader strategy to foster cooperation with India in defense technology, beyond just a simple buyer-supplier relationship. “We are evaluating Pinaka because we need a system like that… This is much more than a business partnership; this is cooperation,” he remarked, emphasizing France’s interest in forging deeper defense and technological bonds with India.
The French general highlighted India’s effective defense industry and its growing capacity to produce high-quality, reliable military technology. France’s consideration of Pinaka alongside systems from other countries demonstrates an acknowledgment of India’s achievements in indigenous defense production.
India and France’s defense cooperation has seen a marked surge over the past few years, reflecting a mutual recognition of strategic interests and geopolitical realities. At the start of 2024, during French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to India, the two nations took significant steps toward a deeper defense collaboration. The joint production of helicopters and submarines, coupled with plans for maintenance, repair, and overhaul services by Safran for aviation propulsion engines and Rafale jets in India, marked a milestone in their partnership. Furthermore, Tata Group and Airbus’s agreement to manufacture civilian helicopters in India speaks to the countries’ shared vision for self-reliance in defense technology.
For France, which has been India’s second-largest defense supplier after Russia, these cooperative efforts strengthen its long-standing support for India’s defense sector. France has consistently provided India with critical defense equipment, even when other nations hesitated.
The Pinaka Mk-1, an artillery rocket system developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has garnered attention for its robust capabilities. Designed to replace the Russian GRAD BM-21, the Pinaka Mk-1 features a range of 38 kilometers, rapid firing ability, and a high rate of fire, making it a formidable asset on the battlefield. A single launcher can fire 12 rockets within 44 seconds, and a full battery of launchers can release a staggering 72 rockets, saturating a target area with intense firepower.
The system’s Shoot-and-Scoot capability, enabling rapid relocation to avoid counter-battery fire, is especially valuable in modern, drone-dominated warfare environments. The Pinaka Mk-1’s quick mobility and logistical ease make it an attractive option for France, whose military is looking to modernize its artillery capabilities. Moreover, the Pinaka’s operational effectiveness has been demonstrated in high-altitude engagements, most notably during the 1999 Kargil conflict between India and Pakistan.
In 2023, India exported the Pinaka Mk-1 system to Armenia, marking its first export contract for a fully indigenous weapon system. This contract represents a significant achievement for India’s defense industry, with DRDO having developed the system with minimal foreign inputs, showcasing India’s capability to produce advanced military technology domestically.
This success has bolstered India’s status as a defense exporter, highlighting its ability to meet international demands for robust, high-performance weapon systems. The sale to Armenia via Iran has also raised India’s profile in the global arms market, with more countries recognizing its potential as a reliable defense partner. The Pinaka’s deployment along India’s borders with China and Pakistan underscores its strategic importance to the Indian Army and further supports its attractiveness to international buyers like France.
The Pinaka MBRLS is designed for flexibility and autonomy, with features allowing each launcher to operate independently. Operators can fire rockets either individually or in clusters in different directions, adapting to dynamic battlefield requirements. Furthermore, the Pinaka Mk-1 can be operated in four modes: manual, remote, standalone, and autonomous, allowing for seamless integration into a variety of military scenarios.
The complete system comprises multiple launcher vehicles, command posts equipped with fire control computers, and DIGICORA MET radars, which enable precision in targeting and firing. The DRDO is already working on enhanced versions of the Pinaka system, with ranges between 60 and 90 kilometers. This includes a guided version currently undergoing testing, which further expands the system’s tactical applications.
France’s longstanding role as India’s defense partner is evidenced by the range of equipment it has supplied over the years, from fighter jets to submarines. Safran Chair Ross McInnes, speaking at India’s Defence Conclave in October, highlighted France’s unwavering support for India, especially in times of need. Reflecting on India’s 1998 nuclear tests, he noted, “The same cannot be said of your other Western partners… France was the only Western country that stood with India.”
Over the past decade, India’s imports from France have surged, positioning it as one of France’s largest defense clients. Between 2017 and 2021, India accounted for 29% of France’s arms exports, making it France’s top buyer during that period. The increased arms trade reflects not only India’s growing defense needs but also the strengthened trust between the two nations.
The arms trade between India and France is not only bolstering bilateral relations but also enhancing France’s global standing as an arms exporter. With India’s substantial orders, France is rapidly gaining ground in the global arms market, where it is now vying with Russia for the position of the second-largest arms exporter. The United States remains the dominant player, but France’s consistent success in securing large-scale defense contracts with India and other nations is shifting the balance.
The Rafale omni-role fighter jet, which struggled initially to find buyers, became a game-changer for France after securing India’s endorsement in 2012. India’s selection of the Rafale over other contenders spurred orders from the UAE and other nations. The Rafale jets arrived in India at a critical time, coinciding with a standoff between Indian and Chinese forces, underscoring their strategic significance to India’s defense posture.
The mutual interest in deepening defense collaboration extends beyond the arms trade. For India, reliance on French defense technology addresses its immediate needs, especially amid current difficulties in sourcing equipment from Russia due to sanctions. At the same time, this partnership allows India to further diversify its defense portfolio, reducing its dependence on a single supplier.
For France, India represents a significant market as well as an essential strategic ally in the Indo-Pacific region. By strengthening defense ties with India, France is securing its influence in a region marked by rising tensions and competing interests. The manufacturing collaborations in India also align with India’s “Make in India” initiative, a move toward self-reliance in defense production, which France supports.
As France evaluates the Pinaka system, the future of India-France defense cooperation looks promising. Beyond mere acquisitions, the collaboration signals a shift towards co-development and joint ventures, which could reshape defense relations between the two countries. This cooperation holds the potential to extend to areas such as advanced missile systems, artificial intelligence in warfare, and cybersecurity.
The evaluation of Pinaka by the French Army underscores the trust France places in Indian technology and the strategic value both nations see in this partnership. If successful, the Pinaka system’s adoption by France could open doors for India to supply indigenous defense equipment to other NATO allies, expanding its footprint in the global defense market.
