Apollo Micro Systems Enters Precision-Guided Weapons Segment with IAF IPREK Development Programme
Apollo Micro Systems Limited (NSE: APOLLO | BSE: 540879) has achieved a significant milestone in India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem after being empanelled by the Indian Air Force (IAF) as a Prime Development Agency (DA) for the Indigenous Precision Range Extension Kit (IPREK) programme under the Make-II (Industry Funded) category of the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020.
The empanelment positions Apollo Micro Systems among a select group of Indian companies entrusted with developing next-generation precision-guided weapon technologies, reinforcing the country’s push towards defence self-reliance under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
IPREK to Transform Conventional Bombs into Precision Weapons
The Indigenous Precision Range Extension Kit (IPREK) is designed to convert existing 500 kg General Purpose (GP) bombs into long-range precision-guided glide weapons.
The system offers several advanced capabilities, including:
- Stand-off strike capability of 80–100 kilometres, allowing aircraft to engage targets while remaining outside enemy air defence zones.
- High-precision targeting with an accuracy of around 3 metres.
- Integration with India’s NavIC satellite navigation system, reducing dependence on foreign GPS infrastructure.
- Electro-Optical (EO) and Infrared (IR) terminal seekers along with Digital Scene Matching Area Correlation (DSMAC) technology for accurate targeting even in GPS-denied environments.
These capabilities are expected to significantly enhance the Indian Air Force’s precision strike capabilities while utilizing its existing bomb inventory.
Large Domestic and Global Market Opportunity
Apollo Micro Systems believes the programme opens a substantial long-term business opportunity as India’s precision-guided munition market shifts from import dependence to indigenous manufacturing.
According to the company:
- India’s precision-guided munition import substitution opportunity is estimated at more than ₹20,000 crore over the next 10 years.
- The global autonomous and precision weapon systems market is estimated to reach around $10 billion by 2032.
The company noted that increasing defence indigenisation, the Positive Indigenisation List, the Make-II framework, and lessons from recent geopolitical conflicts are accelerating demand for domestically developed precision weapon systems.
Building a Long-Term Defence Technology Platform
Apollo Micro Systems highlighted that the IPREK programme is more than a single development project and represents the foundation for its long-term precision weapons strategy.
The company stated that it will own 100% of the intellectual property (IP) related to the system’s:
- Guidance, Navigation and Control (GNC) software.
- Flight computer.
- System integration architecture.
This proprietary technology is expected to provide a competitive advantage and serve as a platform for future precision weapon programmes across the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force.
Strong Defence Credentials
Apollo Micro Systems has over 41 years of experience in designing and manufacturing advanced electronic, electro-mechanical, and engineering systems for India’s defence sector.
The company has contributed to several indigenous DRDO programmes, including Pinaka, TARA, and other Guidance and Navigation Kit projects. It also holds a valid Defence Industrial Licence and is certified to AS9100 Rev D, the globally recognized aerospace quality management standard.