Pinaka LRGR 120: India’s guided rocket reaches the 120-kilometre class

India is extending Pinaka from tactical rocket artillery into precision effects at greater depth. In late December 2025 the Long Range Guided Rocket LRGR 120 completed its maiden flight at the maximum 120-kilometre range and, according to the defence ministry, struck accurately. One successful test is a milestone, not production clearance.

New rocket, established family

LRGR 120 is larger and more capable than existing 214 mm Pinaka rockets but is intended to use current launch vehicles through a new pod. This preserves investment in trucks, fire control and training. Exact calibre, warhead mass and production configuration are not fully public.

Guidance and targeting chain

Inertial and satellite navigation guide the rocket to fixed coordinates. Accuracy depends on survey, weather, navigation protection and current target data. Moving targets would require additional sensing or datalink functions; those are not reliably confirmed for LRGR 120.

Operational significance

A 120-kilometre reach enables attacks on command, logistics, artillery and air defence behind the front. More range does not replace intelligence and may reduce rounds per pod. Effect comes from launchers, ammunition, drones, radar and rapid release as one chain.

Editorial assessment

Pinaka LRGR 120 is attractive because India is building range onto an existing family. The first test validates flight and navigation, not production rate, jamming resistance or warhead effect. Repeated qualification, user trials and an industrial contract are the next measures.

Primary sources and method

This assessment uses official government, armed-forces and manufacturer material. Missing data are not replaced with estimates.

• DRDO – Pinaka LRGR 120 programme documentation
• DRDO – maiden 120 km LRGR flight-test record