India test-fires guided Pinaka Rocket Mark-II

NEW DELHI, Jan. 12 (UPI) -- India's Defense Research and Development Organization test-fired a guided variant of its Pinaka rocket in a recent demonstration.

The Pinaka Rocket Mark-II is a follow up to the Pinaka Mark-I. The newer variant, which the DRDO says has a longer effective range than its predecessor, is equipped with navigation and guidance technology.

"The test-firing has met all mission objectives," the DRDO said in a Facebook post. "The radars, electro-optical and telemetry systems at Chandipur tracked and monitored the vehicle all through the flight-path."

The Pinaka Mark-II was developed by a team of manufacturers from ARDE Pune, RCI Hyderabad and DRDL Hyderabad. The range and additional launch support was provided by ITR Chandipur. Indian military personnel were present at the demonstration to monitor the event.

Pinaka rockets are fired from a truck-mounted launcher, and are operated by the Indian army. The Mark-II variant is capable of hitting targets at a range of over 40 miles. India produces roughly 5,000 of the missiles annually.