Apollo Micro Systems Limited (AMS) has been 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 development marks a major milestone for the company as it enters India’s precision-guided munitions segment, one of the country’s most advanced defence technology sectors.
The empanelment authorises Apollo Micro Systems to design and develop the IPREK system using indigenous technologies. The programme is expected to strengthen India’s self-reliance in precision strike capabilities while reducing dependence on imported guided weapon systems.
The Make-II category under DAP-2020 encourages Indian companies to fund the development of advanced defence technologies. Once a prototype successfully meets operational requirements, the armed forces procure the system for large-scale deployment. The model supports indigenous innovation while promoting the development of critical military technologies within the country.
The IPREK system is designed to convert existing 500 kg General Purpose (GP) unguided bombs into long-range precision-guided glide weapons. Once equipped with the kit, the weapon can be released from a distance of 80 to 100 kilometres while maintaining an accuracy of within three metres of the designated target. This capability enables combat aircraft to engage targets from safer distances, reducing exposure to enemy air defence systems.
The guidance kit incorporates several advanced indigenous technologies, including NavIC (Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System) for satellite navigation, along with Electro-Optical (EO) and Infrared Imaging (IIR) terminal guidance systems for day and night operations. It also integrates Digital Scene Matching Area Correlation (DSMAC) technology, enabling precision targeting even in GPS-denied environments.
By converting existing bomb inventories into precision-guided weapons, the programme offers the Indian Air Force a cost-effective alternative to importing new precision munitions. The initiative is expected to enhance operational capability while improving the utilisation of existing defence assets.
The initial procurement is expected to cover more than 500 IPREK units, with future opportunities across multiple aircraft platforms. The programme is expected to provide Apollo Micro Systems with a long-term business opportunity as India’s requirement for indigenous precision-guided weapons continues to grow.
Commenting on the development, Baddam Karunakar Reddy, Managing Director, Apollo Micro Systems Limited, said, “The Indian Air Force’s selection of Apollo Micro Systems as a Development Agency for the IPREK programme is a landmark achievement for our company. Over the years, we have built strong capabilities in guidance systems, electro-optical technologies, NavIC-based navigation and airborne defence systems. This programme brings together all these strengths into a fully indigenous precision weapon solution. We are proud to contribute to India’s vision of self-reliance in defence manufacturing and acknowledge the valuable support and collaboration received from DRDO in developing advanced indigenous technologies.”
Apollo Micro Systems has participated in several Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) programmes, including indigenous guidance and navigation systems for projects such as Pinaka and TARA. The company’s expertise in guidance, navigation and control technologies, along with CEMILAC-certified airworthiness capabilities, positions it for future opportunities across the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force.
Established over four decades ago, Apollo Micro Systems designs, develops and manufactures advanced electronic, electro-mechanical and engineering systems for India’s defence sector. The company holds a Defence Industrial Licence, is certified to AS9100 Rev D aerospace quality standards, and has supplied mission-critical systems to DRDO and the Indian Armed Forces. The IPREK programme further strengthens the company’s role in advancing indigenous defence technologies and supporting India’s long-term strategic security objectives.
