New Delhi: France has expressed strong interest in procuring India’s indigenously developed Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher system, signalling a significant evolution in Indo-French defence cooperation.
The development follows India’s recent $36 billion agreement with Dassault Aviation for 114 Rafale fighter jets. In what analysts see as a move toward more balanced bilateral arms trade, France is now exploring procurement of Indian-origin defence systems.
Filling France’s Artillery Gap
French defence officials are reportedly evaluating the Pinaka system to address critical shortages in their rocket artillery capabilities. France’s existing LRU (Lance-Roquettes Unitaire) systems mounted on M270 platforms have been depleted following transfers to Ukraine, with only a limited number remaining in service and scheduled for retirement by 2027.
India’s Pinaka system, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is being considered as a cost-effective and rapidly deployable alternative. The system features a wheeled launcher capable of firing 12 rockets in 44 seconds, saturating target areas up to one kilometre wide at ranges between 90 and 130 kilometres.
Military experts describe the system as highly effective for rapid strikes against troop concentrations, vehicles, and command infrastructure. A battery of six launchers can fire 72 rockets in a coordinated salvo, offering significant firepower density.
Proven Performance and Cost Advantage
The Pinaka system has seen operational deployment with the Indian Army, demonstrating reliability across varied terrain and weather conditions. Its relatively lower acquisition and operational costs compared to Western systems such as the U.S.-made HIMARS make it an attractive option for countries seeking high-volume rocket artillery without extended procurement timelines.
French Brigadier General Stéphane Richou assessed the system during a 2024 visit to India, reportedly praising its mobility, quick deployment capability, and compatibility with NATO-standard platforms. The system is viewed as a potential interim solution ahead of France’s planned FLP-T rocket trials scheduled for mid-2026.
Expanding Strategic Partnership
France’s interest in Pinaka reflects broader efforts to diversify defence supply chains amid shifting geopolitical dynamics. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has accelerated demand for replenishment of artillery stockpiles across Europe.
The move also aligns with the strengthening of Indo-French ties under their “Special Global Strategic Partnership.” During a recent visit to India, French President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed commitments under the Horizon 2047 Roadmap, focusing on co-production, technology transfer, and strategic alignment in the Indo-Pacific region.
Boost to India’s Defence Exports
A potential deal would mark another milestone for India’s growing defence export sector, following recent international orders for indigenous systems. It would also strengthen the government’s “Make in India” initiative by enhancing global visibility for Indian-designed platforms.
Reciprocal procurement arrangements could further open avenues for collaboration in avionics, sensors, and advanced military technologies, benefiting both countries’ defence industries.
While challenges remain — including export approvals, production scaling, and system integration — France’s interest in the Pinaka underscores India’s emergence as a credible global supplier of advanced military hardware.
If finalised, the procurement would represent a strategic shift in global defence trade patterns, highlighting deeper industrial cooperation between New Delhi and Paris.
