Apollo Micro Systems Partners with US Firm to Develop Indigenous Rocket Motors For BM-21 Grad ER and Non-ER rockets

Hyderabad-based Apollo Micro Systems Ltd (AMS) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with US-based Dynamic Engineering and Design Inc. (DEDI) to co-develop and produce rocket motors for the BM-21 Grad ER and non-ER rocket systems. The agreement was formalized at the Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) exhibition in London on September 10, 2025.

Apollo Strategic Technologies Pvt Ltd (ASTPL), a subsidiary of Apollo Defence Industries Pvt Ltd (ADIPL) and a step-down subsidiary of AMS, will collaborate with DEDI on technology transfer and co-development of rocket motors. This partnership aims to enhance India’s self-reliance in defence manufacturing under the government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative.

The BM-21 Grad rockets are widely used in multi-barrel rocket launchers (MBRLs) for rapid-fire capabilities. The rocket motor is a critical component, comprising the propellant, casing, nozzle, and ignition system, which determines the range, stability, thrust, and accuracy of artillery rockets.

Apollo Micro Systems has already developed a 122mm rocket warhead in-house and plans to begin trials shortly, with full-scale production targeted by mid-2026. The collaboration will enable the integration of these indigenous warheads with domestically produced rocket motors, marking a significant milestone in India’s private defence manufacturing sector.

This strategic collaboration not only boosts India’s defence manufacturing capacity but also strengthens its position as a reliable supplier in the global defence value chain. The MoU reflects a significant step toward indigenising propulsion technologies for multi-barrel rocket systems and advancing self-reliance in critical defence systems.

Shares of Apollo Micro Systems Ltd have rallied in recent trading sessions, reflecting investor confidence in the company’s strategic initiatives and growth prospects in the defence sector.