Revolutionising Pinaka Capabilities: DRDO's Customised Fire-Control Software Tender

DRDO's Customised Fire-Control Software Tender: Enhancing Pinaka Capabilities

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has issued a tender for the development of customised fire-control software for the Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR) to be integrated with the Pinaka Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS). This software will enable the LRGR to make corrections during flight, thereby enhancing the Pinaka family's capabilities and accuracy.

The tender, floated by the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) of DRDO, Pune, is for a single development contract, with bids due by October 6. The earnest money deposit requirement of ₹3.96 lakh underscores the project's importance.

The requirement is specifically for the development of customised fire-control software for the LRGR, which will need to integrate the working parameters of a guided rocket with the present Pinaka fire-control and launcher. This will enable the LRGR to make corrections during flight, rather than relying solely on ballistic trajectory.

The fire-control chain for a guided rocket has additional requirements compared to a conventional unguided rocket. The mission parameters needed by the specific munition must be accommodated, and the necessary data must be passed down to the rocket prior to launch. The exact architecture and functions of the software being developed in the tender have not been made public.

The Long Range Guided Rocket is designed to make the Pinaka family more capable than traditional unguided munitions. The use of guidance enables a rocket to make corrections during flight, generating the need for more synergy between ammunition, launcher, and command & control system.

The new software requirement is part of this integration process, providing digital fire-control capability to generate and manage firing solutions for the LRGR in the Pinaka system. The scope of the software includes providing support for multiple LRGR configurations, mixed salvos, or specific launcher variants.

Eligibility requirements for the tender include previous experience, bidder turnover, certification, and other requirements outlined in the Additional Terms and Conditions. DRDO is looking for an organisation with a proven track record in terms of both technical and financial competence for this development.

The Pinaka programme has gradually evolved from an unguided multi-launch rocket system to a series of more capable precision strike munitions. Another aspect of this evolution is the customised fire-control software. The software will need to integrate the working parameters of a guided rocket with the present Pinaka fire-control and launcher.

The tender is indicative of development and system integration activity, with a single quantity requirement and customised software requirement. This differs from a standard product off-the-shelf software for sale.

In conclusion, the DRDO's customised fire-control software tender is a significant step towards enhancing the capabilities of the Pinaka family. The development of this software will enable the LRGR to make corrections during flight, thereby increasing its accuracy and effectiveness. This will be a major boost to the Indian Armed Forces' precision strike capabilities.