Spain’s EM&E Supplying Ukraine with Laser Guidance Heads for Grad Rockets

The Spanish company EM&E has developed and launched mass production of a new version of the Alkon 122 Laser – A2L modernization kit, featuring semi-active laser guidance for 122-mm rockets fired from the BM-21 Grad MLRS.

This modification was created at Ukraine’s request to improve strike accuracy in the face of electronic warfare, a company representative said in comments to Jeff2146 and Helvegen at the Eurosatory international exhibition currently taking place in Paris.

Production of the new laser-guided kits has already begun. Starting in the first quarter of 2026, the Spanish manufacturer has delivered at least 1,000 such warheads to Ukraine.

The main advantage of the laser guidance system in the terminal phase of the trajectory is a reduction in the circular error probability. The modernized 9M22U rocket or its equivalents are capable of striking designated targets with an accuracy of up to 3 meters.

The total weight of the added guidance module is 5,500 grams, and its installation increases the rocket’s overall length by less than 375 millimeters.

The rocket’s flight control system uses four independently controlled nose canards that deploy after launch.

The optical guidance system operates using a laser with a wavelength of 1064 nm.

The upgraded munitions can be fired from standard rocket systems such as the BM-21 Grad or other multiple-launch rocket systems, as well as from portable single-barrel launchers.

The firing range of the modernized rockets ranges from 20 to 40 km, depending on the specific type of rocket.

The warhead uses its own hybrid guidance system based on GNSS and inertial navigation (INS) during the cruise phase of flight.

Since 2023, EM&E has already supplied the Ukrainian military with over 10,000 Alkon 122–A22 correction kits featuring GNSS/INS satellite and inertial navigation.

These units ensure a circular probability of error for Grad rockets within 15 meters. However, their effectiveness was reduced when Russian electronic warfare systems jammed the satellite signal.