Apollo Micro Systems Limited, a Hyderabad-based defence electronics firm, has secured approvals from India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation for two critical technology transfers in Directed Energy Weapon systems.
These developments mark a significant step in enhancing indigenous capabilities for high-energy laser platforms and precision tracking solutions. The approvals align closely with national self-reliance objectives under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
A multi-channel 10 kW laser Directed Energy Weapon system created by DRDO’s Center for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS) in Hyderabad is the subject of the first transfer. This platform uses concentrated energy delivery instead of kinetic impact to neutralize threats including missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles, and small mobile objects using high-power laser energy.
The transfer allows Apollo Micro Systems to create, produce, and support these cutting-edge subsystems, subject to a formal licensing agreement and regulatory compliance.
In addition, the second approval, which comes from DRDO’s Instruments Research and Development Establishment (IRDE) in Dehradun, covers an Electro-Optical Tracking System equipped with EO sensors for Directed Energy Weapon applications.
For tracking dynamic threats in real-time operational contexts, this system’s precise targeting and quick engagement are crucial. By using these EO technologies, laser-based DEW platforms become more effective overall.
With their ability to combat at the speed of light without using actual projectiles, directed energy weapons mark a fundamental leap in contemporary warfare. In contrast to traditional weapons, DEWs use concentrated energy to heat and destroy targets, reducing collateral damage and countering new airborne threats like drone swarms. India’s strategic focus on next-generation air defense architectures is demonstrated by its pursuit of such systems.
Founded in 1985, Apollo Micro Systems specializes on electro-mechanical solutions and specialized electronics for the aerospace, defense, and space industries. The business has gradually branched out into platform development and weapon integration, including anti-drone systems for the Indian Armed Forces under the “Make” category. In order to combat swarm threats, these include both soft-kill and hard-kill variants with rocket-based interceptors.
Apollo Micro Systems Managing Director Karunakar Reddy discussed the milestone and emphasized the importance of the transfers for developing domestic defense solutions.
In light of the continuously changing aerial danger picture, he emphasized their complementarity to existing anti-drone programs. By providing high-tech subsystems for strategic applications, this puts the company in a deeper position within India’s defense ecosystem.
Apollo Micro Systems is expanding its manufacturing footprint, including a cutting-edge plant in Hyderabad’s Hardware Park, as the approvals come in. Along with NABL-accredited environmental test facilities, clean rooms for inertial and radiofrequency systems will be added with investments close to ₹150 crores. Productionization for space and defense requirements, such as EMI-EMC testing for navigational systems like INS and IMU, is improved by such infrastructure.
Strategically, by lowering reliance on imports for state-of-the-art weapons, these technological transfers support India’s goal for indigenization. DRDO creates a strong domestic supply chain for DEW components by enabling private companies such as Apollo Micro Systems. This is in line with more general priorities in fighter avionics, hypersonic countermeasures, and missile defense.
These capabilities put Apollo Micro Systems at the forefront of India’s Directed Energy Weapon ecosystem going forward. The military will probably place more orders with the company because of its proficiency with laser systems and electro-optical integration. Such domestic developments guarantee operational superiority as threats from hostile drones and precision weapons grow.
The increasing collaboration between DRDO and private companies in developing Directed Energy technology is demonstrated by these ToTs. Apollo Micro Systems helps lessen reliance on imports and improve operational preparedness against contemporary threats by facilitating domestic production of DEW subsystems. India is positioned to compete in global DEW improvements thanks to its strategic concentration on laser and EO systems.
