The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has signed a Licensing Agreement for Transfer of Technology (LAToT) with NIBE Ltd for the production of the Pinaka Multi Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL) and the Battery Command Post (BCP). The agreement is intended to support domestic manufacturing of defence equipment.
The Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE), a DRDO laboratory, facilitated the agreement with the Pune-based company. The Pinaka MBRL is designed for launching 12 rockets from a stationary, inclined position, and is intended to provide rapid response and high-accuracy targeting capabilities. The system is engineered to function in varied terrain and environmental conditions.
DRDO described the system as built for cross-country mobility and effective deployment in operational scenarios.
The agreement was signed a day after DRDO Chairman Samir V Kamat called for increased investment by Indian industry in defence research and development. “We need to invest more in research and development. Today, we spend 5 percent of our defence budget on R&D. The Raksha Mantri has promised us that in the next five years, this will increase gradually to 10 percent of the defence budget,” said Kamat during the CII Annual Business Summit 2025.
NIBE Ltd is a company based in Pune involved in the manufacturing and engineering sector. Its engagement with DRDO is part of its participation in indigenous defence production initiatives.