Brahmastra Explosives Showcases 128mm Plamen MLRS to Support Indigenous Defence Manufacturing
Indian defence company Brahmastra Explosives and Ammunition has highlighted the capabilities of the 128mm Plamen multiple launch rocket system (MLRS), reflecting its interest in introducing advanced rocket artillery technologies into India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
In a recent statement, the company described the 128mm Plamen as a lightweight, highly mobile rocket artillery system designed to provide rapid and concentrated indirect fire support against enemy personnel, command centres, lightly armoured vehicles, and other tactical battlefield targets.
According to Brahmastra Explosives, modern artillery operations increasingly require a combination of mobility, firepower, and survivability. Systems such as the Plamen are designed around the “shoot-and-scoot” concept, enabling launchers to rapidly fire multiple rockets before relocating to reduce vulnerability to enemy counter-battery fire.
Originally developed in the former Yugoslavia, the Plamen family of MLRS platforms is intended to deliver high-volume area suppression over short- to medium-range engagements. The 128mm rockets are suitable for attacking troop concentrations, logistics hubs, field fortifications, and lightly protected military assets, making the system particularly effective in supporting infantry and mechanized formations.
Brahmastra Explosives stated that it continues to explore specialized international technologies that could be integrated into India’s domestic defence industrial base. The company’s objective is to combine proven global expertise with indigenous manufacturing capabilities, supporting the government’s efforts to strengthen self-reliance in advanced defence production.
If pursued, such cooperation could enhance India’s rocket artillery ecosystem by expanding expertise in rocket motors, propellant technologies, warhead manufacturing, and launcher development. It would also complement broader national initiatives aimed at increasing domestic production of ammunition and artillery systems.
India already fields a range of indigenous and imported rocket artillery systems, including the Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL), which offers substantially greater range and payload capacity than legacy 128mm systems. As a result, any future role for the Plamen would likely focus on specialized tactical missions rather than replacing India’s existing long-range rocket artillery capabilities.
Although Brahmastra Explosives has highlighted the operational features of the Plamen system, the company has not announced any production agreement, procurement programme, or contract involving the Indian Armed Forces. At this stage, the announcement reflects technological interest and potential industrial collaboration rather than confirmation of a future acquisition.
