After Rafale Deal, France Keen to Procure India’s Pinaka Launcher

France has shown strong interest in acquiring India’s indigenously developed Pinaka multi barrel rocket launcher system, signalling a shift towards more balanced defence trade between the two strategic partners.

The development comes soon after India cleared a major order for 114 Rafale fighter jets from Dassault Aviation, reportedly valued at 36 billion dollars. The proposed Pinaka deal is being viewed as a step towards reciprocal procurement, moving beyond the traditional pattern of French arms exports to India.

French officials are assessing the Pinaka system to bridge emerging gaps in their artillery capabilities. France’s LRU rocket systems mounted on M270 platforms have been significantly depleted following transfers to Ukraine. With only nine units reportedly remaining and retirement planned by 2027, Paris faces an urgent requirement for a mobile, high volume rocket artillery system.

Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation, Pinaka is a wheeled multi barrel rocket launcher capable of firing 12 rockets in 44 seconds. It can saturate a target area of up to one kilometre at ranges between 90 km and 130 km, depending on the variant. A battery of six launchers can fire 72 rockets in a coordinated salvo.

The system has been operational with the Indian Army and has seen deployment in active conflict scenarios. Its mobility, rapid deployment capability and cost effectiveness have positioned it as a competitive alternative to Western systems such as the M142 HIMARS.

French Brigadier General Stéphane Richou evaluated the system during a visit to India in 2024. According to reports, he appreciated its manoeuvrability, deployment speed and compatibility with NATO standards. The system is being considered as an interim solution ahead of France’s FLP T rocket programme trials scheduled for mid 2026.

The growing interest in Pinaka also aligns with the broader elevation of India and France ties as Special Global Strategic Partners. During French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent visit to India, both sides reaffirmed commitments under the Horizon 2047 Roadmap, focusing on defence co production, technology transfer and strategic cooperation in the Indo Pacific.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the partnership as reaching new heights, with emphasis on joint innovation and expanded defence collaboration.

If finalised, the Pinaka deal would further strengthen India’s defence export ambitions under the Make in India initiative. Armenia has already procured the system, underlining its growing global footprint.

However, challenges remain, including export clearances, integration with French command networks and production scaling for international orders. Still, France’s interest in Pinaka reflects a broader realignment in global defence supply chains amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and operational demands triggered by the Ukraine conflict.