The Hindu : Today's Paper / NATIONAL : Two Pinaka variants under development
After the success of the Pinaka multiple rocket launcher, ordnance factories are now developing two more of its variants, Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) chairman Sudhir Kumar Beri said here on Friday.
At present, there are two variants of the Pinaka and efforts are on to develop two more variants that can strike targets at double the existing range. A Detailed Project Report (DPR) was already sent to the government for approval, Mr. Beri said.
This apart, there are plans to enhance the production of the existing Pinaka rocket launchers from 2,000 to 5,000 per annum, he told The Hindu on the sidelines of 42{+n}{+d}All India Ordnance and Ordnance Equipment Factories Annual athletic meet 2012-13 at the Medak ordnance factory.
On the delay in overtaking the ailing Hindustan Cables Limited (HCL)’s three units in Hyderabad, Rupnarayanpur in West Bengal and Naini in Allahabad, Mr. Beri replied that the government was expected to take a decision by February.
“We are hopeful that it will be a positive decision. About Rs. 1,500 crore has to be spent on these units for creating necessary facilities,” he said.
It will be an advantage for the OFB to acquire the three HCL units as 1,400 acres of land is available with the units.
Besides, there are quarters, power infrastructure and water supply as well. Barring the machinery, the infrastructure will help the OFB set up an ammunition production unit or night device equipment production unit, he explains.
He said the government sanctioned Rs. 15,000-crore for the modernisation and enhancement of the production capacity of ordnance factories under the 12{+t}{+h}Five Year Plan.
