US and Indian Forces Conduct Joint Rocket Artillery Live Fire Exercise

Introduction

A recent live‑fire exercise at the Mahajan Field Firing Range near Bikaner brought together United States and Indian artillery units. The event featured the American M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System and India’s indigenous Pinaka multi‑barrel rocket launcher, allowing both forces to practice coordinated firing under realistic conditions.

Technical Overview

The M142 HIMARS is a wheeled, truck‑mounted platform capable of carrying a mix of rockets or guided missiles. Its launcher pod can hold up to six 227 mm GMLRS rockets or a single ATACMS missile, providing flexibility for various mission sets. The system weighs approximately 10 tons, runs on a diesel engine, and can travel at speeds up to 80 km/h on roads.

The Pinaka system is an indigenously developed 122 mm multi‑barrel launcher mounted on a high‑mobility wheeled chassis. It can fire up to 24 rockets in a single salvo, with each rocket delivering a 122 mm warhead. The platform weighs around 12 tons, is powered by a diesel engine, and achieves road speeds of roughly 70 km/h.

Technical Specifications

| Feature | M142 HIMARS | Pinaka |

|---|---|---|

| Caliber / Rocket Size | 227 mm (GMLRS) or ATACMS | 122 mm |

| Maximum Rockets per Salvo | 6 (GMLRS) or 1 (ATACMS) | 24 |

| Launch Weight | ~10 tons | ~12 tons |

| Engine Type | Diesel, 750 hp | Diesel, 750 hp |

| Road Speed | Up to 80 km/h | Up to 70 km/h |

| Range (max) | 80 km (GMLRS) | 45 km |

Key Capabilities

• HIMARS can launch six GMLRS rockets or a single ATACMS missile in under 10 seconds.
• Pinaka delivers a 24‑rocket salvo within 30 seconds, covering a 45‑km range.
• Both systems employ encrypted data links for secure command and control.
• Mobile chassis enables rapid relocation after firing, reducing vulnerability.

Operational Context

The Mahajan range, a sprawling desert training area in Rajasthan, provides an ideal environment for testing long‑range rocket artillery. The exercise allowed US and Indian crews to exchange fire‑control data, practice communication protocols, and rehearse combined targeting procedures. By firing simultaneously, the units demonstrated the ability to deconflict launch zones and manage overlapping trajectories, a critical factor for joint operations in contested terrain.

Training Objectives and Outcomes

The drill aimed to validate interoperable fire‑control networks, test rapid target acquisition, and rehearse deconfliction procedures for simultaneous launches. After‑action reports indicated that both sides achieved precise timing, maintained safe launch distances, and collected valuable data on projectile performance under desert conditions.

Strategic Implications

Interoperability between NATO‑aligned forces and Indian artillery units enhances regional deterrence and rapid response capabilities. The shared use of mobile rocket systems showcases a common doctrine of dispersed, quick‑deploy firepower that can be redirected across the battlefield. Such joint drills also foster standardization of procedures, which can reduce friction during future coalition missions.

Regional Security Implications

The demonstration underscores a growing convergence of capabilities among major powers in South Asia, signaling a willingness to share advanced firepower assets. Such cooperation may deter adversarial posturing and provide a credible deterrent against emerging threats in the Indo‑Pacific theater.

Future Outlook

Analysts predict that continued joint exercises will deepen interoperability, leading to more sophisticated combined operations and potentially influencing defense procurement strategies for both nations.

Final Remarks

The exercise reaffirms the strategic value of multinational artillery cooperation, highlighting a pathway toward enhanced collective defense and operational excellence.

Such collaboration ensures both armies remain prepared for evolving security challenges.