ISLAMABAD: The Indian Army has awarded a 292.69 crore contract to NibeLimited for support equipment of a Universal Rocket Launcher System,marking a significant step in enhancing its long-range artillerycapabilities. This development, capable of integrating rockets with rangesup to 300 kilometres, comes amid efforts to strengthen precision strikeoptions. The contract includes ground equipment, accessories, andammunition, underscoring India’s focus on modernising its rocket forces foroperational flexibility across diverse terrains.
Following the successful maiden test of the 120-kilometre Pinaka Long RangeGuided Rocket on December 29, 2025, the Indian military is acceleratingindigenous rocket artillery programmes. The Pinaka system, launched fromexisting launchers, demonstrated precision and versatility, achievingdirect hits on targets. This test coincided with Defence AcquisitionCouncil clearance for induction, highlighting a layered approach to rocketcapabilities spanning tactical to deeper operational depths.
Pakistan established its Army Rocket Force Command in August 2025, creatinga dedicated entity for conventional missiles and rockets separate fromnuclear forces. This move consolidated systems like Fatah series forenhanced strike coordination. Analysts note that India’s recent investmentsin universal launchers and extended-range Pinaka variants appear to mirrorthis specialised structure, particularly after the May 2025 OperationSindoor conflict.
During Operation Sindoor, initiated in response to a terrorist attack inPahalgam claiming 26 lives, India conducted strikes on militantinfrastructure in Pakistan. The brief standoff involved missile exchangesand highlighted the role of long-range rockets in modern warfare.Subsequent escalations underscored the need for robust, dedicated rocketforces to manage conventional deterrence without nuclear overlap.
The Nibe contract, awarded under emergency procurement, supports thePrecise and Universal Launcher System, linked to Israeli technologytransferred for local production. This universal platform allowsintegration of multiple rocket types, including 150-kilometre and300-kilometre variants, providing the Indian Army with interoperablefirepower. Such systems enable rapid saturation of targets whilemaintaining mobility and survivability.
India’s Pinaka programme has evolved significantly, with multiple regimentsalready operational along borders with China and Pakistan. The recent120-kilometre guided variant enhances accuracy, reducing collateral risksin contested areas. Ongoing developments aim for even longer ranges,potentially up to 300 kilometres, aligning with global trends inprecision-guided rocket artillery.
Pakistan’s rocket force initiative has prompted regional responses, asdedicated commands improve command-control and deployment efficiency.India’s parallel enhancements, including raising additional Pinakaregiments and procuring universal systems, reflect a strategic shifttowards specialised rocket units for countering threats from multipledirections.
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Defence experts observe that both nations are prioritising rocket artilleryfor cost-effective deep strikes compared to air or missile alternatives.India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative drives indigenous production, withprivate firms like Nibe playing key roles in reducing import dependency andboosting export potential.
The universal launcher acquisition is viewed as an interim measure whileindigenous long-range Pinaka variants mature. This hybrid approach combinesforeign technology with domestic manufacturing, ensuring sustainedoperational readiness and logistical support.
As geopolitical tensions persist, these developments signal an arms race inprecision rocket forces across South Asia. Enhanced capabilities aim todeter aggression through credible conventional options, reshapingescalation dynamics in future contingencies.
Source:https://idrw.org/indian-army-awards-292-69-crore-contract-to-nibe-for-universal-rocket-launcher-system-support-equipment/
Tags: Indian Army, Pakistan Army, Pinaka System, Rocket Force, OperationSindoor, Nibe Limited, Universal Launcherogimageimage-name