India Develops Cost-Effective Air-Launched Pinaka Missile; France Shows Interest

India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed an air-launched variant of the Pinaka rocket system, costing approximately Rs 2.3 crore per unit, significantly lower than comparable American systems priced around Rs 20 crore. Designed for precision strikes and compatible with fighter jets, this missile offers a cost-effective alternative to larger systems like BrahMos. Reports indicate France is interested in acquiring the system as part of its efforts to modernize its rocket artillery, though no formal agreement has been announced.