The terms ‘Pinaka and Smerch’ mentioned in news recently refer to

Pinaka and Smerch are both prominent Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL) systems used by the Indian Army. Pinaka is an indigenous system developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to provide high-volume fire in a short duration, capable of neutralizing large area targets. It has undergone several upgrades, including the Pinaka Mk-II with enhanced range and guidance. Smerch, specifically the BM-30 Smerch, is a heavy multiple rocket launcher of Russian origin designed to defeat personnel, armored targets, and artillery batteries. While historical contexts highlight India's long-standing relationship with rocketry dating back to the Mysore Wars [4] and the evolution of sounding rockets for space research [5], these specific terms in modern military parlance refer to tactical rocket artillery systems rather than cruise missiles or drones.

Sources

1. [1] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 12: Transport, Communications and Trade > INDIA—SPACE PROGRAMME > p. 54
2. [4] Exploring Society:India and Beyond ,Social Science, Class VIII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 3: The Rise of the Marathas > Military administration > p. 74
3. [2] Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 5: Earths Magnetic Field (Geomagnetic Field) > Explanation: > p. 78
4. [3] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 12: Transport, Communications and Trade > Phase I: 1960–70 > p. 55
5. [5] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 12: Transport, Communications and Trade > Major Events > p. 56