New Delhi: The Indian Air Force (IAF) has selected the Apollo micro systems as a key development partner for the Indigenous Precision Range Extension Kit (IPREK) programme. The project aims to improve the range and accuracy of India’s existing 500 kg bombs using advanced indigenous technology. The development supports the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative and strengthens India’s push towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
Apollo Micro Systems Selected for IPREK Programme
Apollo Micro Systems announced that it has been chosen by the Indian Air Force as a Prime Development Agency for the Indigenous Precision Range Extension Kit (IPREK).
Read also: DRDO MIGM Naval Mine: Why It Is a Nightmare for Enemy Submarines and Stealth Warships
The programme is being executed under the Make-II category of India’s Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020, where companies develop defence equipment using their own resources before supplying it to the armed forces.
What is IPREK Programme
The Indigenous Precision Range Extension Kit (IPREK) is a bolt-on guidance kit that can be attached to India’s existing General Purpose (GP) 500 kg unguided bombs.
Instead of buying expensive imported precision weapons, the kit converts conventional bombs into long-range precision-guided weapons at a much lower cost. This improves both strike accuracy and operational capability.
Over 500 Units Planned in the First Phase
Apollo Micro Systems said that more than 500 IPREK units are planned for supply during the initial procurement phase. The first phase is expected to help the Indian Air Force quickly upgrade part of its existing bomb inventory with indigenous precision-strike capability.
IPREK Programme: What are the Features of the Indigenous Precision Range Extension Kit
According to the company’s official announcement, the IPREK system offers several advanced features, including:
- Strike range of 80 to 100 kilometres.
- Target accuracy of around 3 metres.
- Integration with India’s NavIC (IRNSS) satellite navigation system.
- Electro-Optical (EO) and Infrared (IIR) terminal guidance.
- DSMAC (Digital Scene Matching Area Correlation) guidance for operations in GPS-denied environments.
- Day and night precision attack capability.
Why the IPREK Programme is Important
The upgraded bombs allow combat aircraft to release weapons from a much safer distance, reducing exposure to enemy air defence systems.
This stand-off capability improves mission safety while increasing the effectiveness of existing weapons without requiring the purchase of new imported precision bombs.
Support for Atmanirbhar Bharat
Apollo Micro Systems described the project as an important milestone in building India’s indigenous precision-guided weapon capability. The company said the programme combines guidance systems, electro-optical seekers, NavIC navigation and airborne certification into a single Indian-developed solution. It also stated that it will retain 100% intellectual property rights for the IPREK guidance software, flight computer and system integration architecture.
Read also: Indian Air Force R-37M Missile Deal: Features, Range, Cost and Strategic Impact
