Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended an invitation to the French Army to examine the Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher, which was created by the DRDO, as part of the expanding defence cooperation between France and India.

He highlighted that France acquiring this system would mark another important step in Indo-French defence relations. PM Modi wrapped up his three-day visit to France on Wednesday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed the strong and long-standing defence partnership between India and France. In a joint statement, they welcomed the ongoing cooperation in air and maritime defence as part of the Strategic Partnership. They also emphasised their commitment to the ambitious Defense Industrial Roadmap established in 2024.

"Both leaders commended progress in collaboration in construction of Scorpene submarines in India, including indigenisation, and in particular the work carried out with a view to the integration of DRDO developed Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) into P75-Scorpene submarines and the analyses conducted regarding the possible integration of the Integrated Combat System (ICS) into the future P75-AS submarines. Both leaders welcomed the commissioning of the sixth and final submarine of the P75 Scorpene-class project, INS Vaghsheer, on 15 January 2025. Both sides welcomed the ongoing discussions in missiles, helicopter engines and jet engines. They also welcomed the excellent cooperation between the relevant entities in the Safran group and their Indian counterparts," read the statement.

"Prime Minister Modi also invited the French Army to take a closer look at the Pinaka MBLR, emphasising that an acquisition of this system by France would be another milestone in Indo-French defence ties. In addition, President Macron welcomed the decision to include India as an observer to the Eurodrone MALE programme managed by OCCAR, which is another step forward in the growing strength of our partnership in defence equipment programmes," added the statement.

The Defence Ministry of India has signed contracts with Economic Explosive Limited (EEL) and Munitions India Limited (MIL) to purchase two types of advanced munitions—Area Denial Munition (ADM) Type-1 (DPICM) and High Explosive Pre-Fragmented (HEPF) Mk-1 (Enhanced) rockets. These munitions will be used in the Pinaka Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS). 

The total cost of these contracts is ₹10,147 crore. Additionally, the ministry has signed a contract with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) to upgrade the SHAKTI Software. The agreements were finalized in New Delhi on February 6, in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. The ADM Type-1 variant of the Pinaka MLRS is designed to disperse multiple sub-munitions over a wide area, effectively targeting enemy vehicles, mechanised forces, and personnel. This makes it useful for restricting enemy movement in specific zones. Meanwhile, the HEPF Mk-1 (E) rockets are an upgraded version of the existing HEPF rockets, offering increased range, improved accuracy and greater destructive power to strike deep into enemy territory.