Defence Stock In Focus As Apollo Micro Systems Gets DRDO Nod For Made-in-India Laser Weapons

Apollo Micro Systems (AMS) received approval from the Defence Research & Development Organization (DRDO) for two separate Transfers of Technology (ToT) related to Laser-Based Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) systems and EO Tracking System for DEW, subject to fulfillment of prescribed conditions. As a result, the company's shares surged by approximately 5% on Monday, December 22.

The stock opened on the BSE at Rs 240.10 and surged to an intraday high of Rs 249.70 during the afternoon trade, representing a gain of nearly 5% from the previous close of Rs 237.85.

Leading defence electronics and systems manufacturer Apollo Micro Systems Limited (AMS) stated that two Transfers of Technology (ToT) in the field of Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) systems have been approved by the Defence Research & Development Organization (DRDO).

The specifics of the ToTs received by AMS include the Multi-Channel 10 kW Laser DEW System from DRDO Lab: Centre for High Energy Systems & Sciences (CHESS), Hyderabad, and the EO Tracking System with EO Sensors for DEW from DRDO Lab: Instruments Research & Development Establishment (IRDE), Dehradun.

"As the name suggests, they use high-powered lasers to inflict damage on targets. Compared to traditional weapons, which mainly rely on physical impact and kinetic energy, DEW uses directed energy to heat up and destroy or damage the target. It has diverse military applications, offering rapid and precision strikes against threats such as UAVs, missiles, and small vehicles. The most important aspect of DEW is that it can be used in all warfighting environments," said AMS in a stock exchange filing.

Apollo Micro Systems will be able to develop, produce, and service vital DEW subsystems for defence applications thanks to these technologies, enhancing domestic competence in cutting-edge weapon systems.

Mr. Karunakar Reddy, Managing Director of AMS, said, "The receipt of these two DRDO technology transfers marks a significant milestone for Apollo Micro Systems in the Directed Energy Weapons domain. These technologies strengthen our ability to deliver indigenous, high-technology solutions aligned with national defence priorities. Our Company is currently developing critical Anti-Drone Systems under the 'Make' category for the Indian Armed Forces, wherein both soft-kill and hard-kill solutions, including rocket-based interceptors, are being developed to counter swarm drone threats."

"The Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) technologies received through these Transfers of Technology will serve as an additional capability, complementing our ongoing development efforts, particularly in view of the rapidly evolving threat landscape posed by aerial systems. We remain committed to supporting India's defence ecosystem through the development and delivery of advanced, reliable, and scalable indigenous systems," he further added.

One of the top Indian aerospace & defence companies, Apollo Micro Systems Limited (AMS), focuses on the design, development, and production of cutting-edge electronics and electro-mechanical systems. It mainly services mission-critical industries including defense, space, and homeland security and has its headquarters in Hyderabad.