India's artillery modernisation programme has crossed another significant milestone with the operationalisation of the seventh Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher regiment, as the eighth undergoes conversion and is expected to become operational in the second half of 2026, reports have suggested. The total number of operational Pinaka regiments is expected to reach ten by 2027, advancing India steadily toward its long-term goal of 22 regiments in total. The expansion completes a six-regiment order placed in August 2020, signed within months of the Galwan Valley clash, and reflects a sustained, methodical effort to address the firepower requirements of both the northern and western fronts. The system's combat credentials are formidable. A single Pinaka launcher fires 12 rockets in 44 seconds, neutralising a target area of 1,000 by 800 metres. Variants engage targets from 38 kilometres to over 75 kilometres, with shoot-and-scoot capability ensuring survivability against counter-battery fire. Each regiment fields 18 launchers. The system is also extending its reach by LRGR-120, which extends range to 120 kilometres and fires from existing launchers with only a canister change, keeping induction costs low. In January 2026, Tata Advanced Systems and Larsen and Toubro were awarded back-to-back contracts for long-term fleet sustainment, a signal that the Army intends to operate Pinaka for decades.