Pinaka weapon system successfully tested

Why in news?

DRDO has successfully tested the powerful guided Pinaka weapon system.

Key points:

• During the test, its lethality, accuracy and ability to attack multiple targets simultaneously were tested.
• It has been completely manufactured in the country.
• It can fire 12 rockets in 44 seconds.

Pinaka Rocket Launcher System:

• It is named after Lord Shiva's bow 'Pinaka'.
• It has been made by DRDO's Pune-based Armament Research and Development Establishment.
• One battery of it consists of six launch vehicles.
• Currently it has 2 versions. 
  • First Mark I with a range of 40 km
  • Second Mark-II with a range of 75 km.
• There is a plan to increase its range to 120-300 km.

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO):

• It is a research and development wing of the Ministry of Defence, Government of India.
• It was formed in the year 1958 by merging the Directorate of Technical Development and Production with the Indian Army's Technical Development Establishment and Defence Science Organisation.
• It is headquartered in New Delhi.
• Its objective is to empower the Indian Army with cutting-edge defence technologies.