Spanish company Escribano Mechanical & Engineering (EM&E) has sent over 10,000 precision-guidance kits to Ukraine since 2023, converting unguided 122mm BM-21 Grad MLRS rockets into precision-guided munitions with 15-meter accuracy. The company representatives confirmed the delivery at the Eurosatory-2026 defense exhibition in Paris, per Defense Express.
An EW-resistant laser-guided variant developed at Ukraine’s specific request achieves accuracy of under 3 meters even under electronic warfare conditions, with 1,000 of these laser kits delivered by Q1 2026.
The EM&E precision kits convert Ukraine’s existing inventory of Soviet-era BM-21 Grad rockets, and any compatible 122mm rocket from any manufacturer, into precision-guided munitions without dependence on a single supplier or US ITAR-controlled technology.
The system can be launched from standard Grad launchers and even single launch tubes, with an effective range of 20 to 40 kilometers depending on the base rocket.
Laser variant achieves 3-meter accuracy even under Russian electronic warfare
The laser-guided variant is slightly longer than the GNSS/INS satellite-navigation version and equipped with four independently controlled front rudders versus two on the satellite-only version. EM&E has delivered approximately 3,700 kits per year on average since 2023, with capacity potentially scaling if international demand warrants expansion.
The laser-guided variant was developed specifically at Ukraine’s request to address Russian electronic warfare effectiveness against satellite-guided munitions. The variant achieves a circular error probable of under 3 meters even when operating under active Russian electronic warfare and jamming, compared to 15 meters for the GNSS/INS variant.
Spanish-Ukrainian defense industrial cooperation expands beyond Grad kits
EM&E has expanded its Ukrainian defense market presence beyond the precision-guidance kits. Ukrainian defense holding Ukroboronprom signed a memorandum with EM&E in May 2025 to jointly develop weapons and localize Spanish module production within Ukraine.
Ukrainian UAV manufacturer Skyeton separately signed a cooperation agreement with EM&E in April 2026. EM&E operates from Madrid and has systems deployed across 25 countries across the globe, with the company having grown from a small machining workshop into one of Spain’s largest defense and security firms.
EM&E precision-guidance kits transform Soviet-era Grad MLRS
The BM-21 Grad MLRS, a Soviet-era 122mm multiple rocket launcher system, remains in service with militaries worldwide despite its age, due to its mass production, low cost, and operational simplicity. Both Russia and Ukraine continue to deploy Grads, with Ukraine’s Defense Forces actively modernizing the platform with counter-drone protection and updated chassis platforms.
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