Tech Desk: India has reached a significant defence milestone as Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited (SDAL) successfully exported the first batch of 1,000 Guided Pinaka rockets to Armenia. This landmark shipment underscores India’s rapidly growing defence export capabilities and the prowess of its indigenous weapons manufacturing sector, solidifying its position on the global stage.

The formal flagging off by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in January 2026 marked a pivotal moment. This delivery is part of a broader ₹2,000 crore defence agreement, which includes four Pinaka rocket system batteries, associated ammunition, and crucial support equipment. Armenia, the first international customer for the Pinaka system, initially received unguided variants in 2023–2024, making this guided variant a major capability upgrade.

Manufactured in Nagpur by SDAL, a unit of the Solar Group, these Guided Pinaka rockets boast significantly improved accuracy and a range exceeding 70 kilometers. This project highlights the private sector’s increasing role in India’s defence manufacturing, aligning with the nation’s ambition to become a leading global defence exporter. The deal not only strengthens India’s strategic partnership with Armenia but also showcases its ability to provide comprehensive artillery solutions and long-term ammunition support to overseas clients.