India fast-tracks 300km Pinaka Mk4 rocket and 1,000km AI attack drones

India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is accelerating development of the Pinaka Mk4 guided rocket, extending the system's range to 300 kilometres. Pre‑production units are targeted for 2028, with trials to follow and serial production planned for 2030. The Mk4 will form a key element of the Indian Army's Integrated Rocket Force, offering precision strikes on strategic targets far beyond the reach of earlier Pinaka variants.

Separately, the Indian Army has opened a procurement process for indigenous, AI‑enabled one‑way attack drones capable of striking targets up to 1,000 kilometres away. Under the Long Range Loiter Munition (LRLM) programme, the drones must carry a 25‑kg warhead, operate in GPS‑denied environments, and feature artificial‑intelligence targeting. Private firms will fund development, with the Army expected to acquire thousands of such systems across various ranges.