India on Wednesday, August 13 successfully tested an upgraded version of the domestically built Pinaka, a multi-barrel rocket launcher. This test was carried out from a defence base in Orissa. The Pinaka was tested from the Proof and Experimental Establishment (PXE) in Chandipur-on-sea in Balasore district located more than 200 kms away from Bhubaneswar.

SP Dash, director of the Chandipur defence base, remarked, ‘It was a product launch.’ The Proof and Experimental Establishment happens to be a part of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of India. Pinaka can be used to fire 12 rockets at a go and that to within 40 seconds. It has already been tested out during the Kargil war. ‘The test today (Wednesday) was aimed at improving the system and sub-system,’ defence officials said.