On 29 December 2025, India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted the maiden flight test of its Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR-120) from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur, Odisha. This guided rocket achieved its full maximum range of 120 kilometres, executing pre-planned in-flight manoeuvres and striking its target with textbook precision.
This development marks a major milestone in India’s indigenous defence capabilities, enhancing the long-range artillery and precision strike power of the Indian Army while aligning with the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
The Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket—designated as LRGR-120—is a precision-guided artillery rocket developed under the Pinaka family of multi-barrel rocket launchers. Built by DRDO laboratories including the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL), Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) and others, this rocket represents a significant advancement over earlier Pinaka variants.
What sets LRGR-120 apart is its extended 120 km strike range, advanced guidance system featuring inertial navigation and course correction, and its ability to be fired from existing Pinaka launchers already in service.
Unlike previous versions of the Pinaka rocket which had maximum ranges from 40 km to around 90 km, the LRGR-120 can engage targets up to 120 km away, making it a potent tool for modern battlefield scenarios.
The LRGR-120’s integrated navigation and control system enables mid-course corrections and precise terminal guidance, reducing collateral damage and enhancing accuracy.
One of its operational advantages is its ability to be launched from the standard Pinaka launcher, enabling easy integration without major infrastructure upgrades.
The successful maiden test of LRGR-120 reinforces India’s capacity for indigenous development of long-range precision artillery systems, reducing reliance on imported technology. It also strengthens the Indian Army’s deep-strike capability, offering a medium-range, cost-effective alternative to strategic ballistic missiles.
This achievement aligns with national defence objectives, particularly in the context of modern warfare, where precision and reach are critical for effective deterrence and battlefield superiority.
This news holds high relevance for students preparing for government exams—especially in sections covering Science & Technology, Defence, National Security, and India’s Strategic Capabilities. Understanding the advancement of LRGR-120 offers valuable insight into India’s ongoing efforts to modernise its armed forces with indigenous systems.
In competitive exams like UPSC, SSC, Railways, Banking, Defence (NDA/ CDS), and State PSCs, questions often integrate static syllabus topics (rocket systems, defence technology) with current affairs. The successful test of the Pinaka LRGR-120 directly strengthens this intersection.
India’s improved capability to design and test long-range guided rockets indigenously underscores the government’s Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat vision. Aspirants must note this in relation to defence procurement and self-reliance initiatives
For exams with essay writing and interview stages, this topic offers rich content on national security, technology advancement, and geopolitical strength, allowing candidates to build arguments about India’s evolving defence capabilities.
The Pinaka rocket system has been a core artillery asset of the Indian Army since the 1990s, built by DRDO to replace older Soviet systems. Initial versions like Pinaka Mk-I had a shorter range (~40 km). Over time, upgrades led to enhanced variants (Mk-II, Extended Range), increasing strike distances to 60-90 km.
Earlier guided versions of the Pinaka system provided improved accuracy with ranges around 75 km, but the LRGR-120 variant represents the first guided variant to achieve 120 km range with advanced in-flight correction and precision.
This evolution reflects India’s push toward precision-guided munitions and reduced dependence on foreign systems, aligning with broader defence modernisation programs including Atmanirbhar Bharat and strategic deterrence strategies.
The LRGR‑120 is an indigenously developed precision-guided rocket by DRDO, capable of striking targets up to 120 km away with high accuracy. It is part of the Pinaka family of multi-barrel rocket launchers used by the Indian Army.
The maiden test was conducted on 29 December 2025 at the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur, Odisha, and it successfully hit the target at maximum range.
Key contributors include the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL), Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), among others.
The rocket strengthens long-range artillery capabilities, reduces dependence on foreign systems, and enhances precision strike power of the Indian Army, aligning with the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Previous Pinaka rockets had ranges between 40–90 km. LRGR‑120 not only extends range to 120 km but also incorporates precision-guided navigation for improved accuracy.
The test supports Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives, promoting self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
It is relevant for topics like defence technology, national security, and India’s strategic capabilities, which are often included in UPSC, SSC, banking, defence, and state PSC exams.
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