New Delhi: India’s indigenous defence capability received a major boost after the Defence Research and Development Organisation successfully completed development trials of the ULPGM-V3 missile. The ULPGM-V3 missile was tested in both Air-to-Ground and Air-to-Air modes near Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh. The missile is designed for anti-tank missions and destroying drones, helicopters, and airborne targets.
The successful trial strengthens India’s push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
What is ULPGM-V3 Missile
The Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Launched Precision Guided Missile-V3 (ULPGM-V3) is a next-generation precision strike missile developed by DRDO for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
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Key highlights:
- Can be launched from drones and UAVs
- Supports both Air-to-Ground and Air-to-Air attacks
- Designed for anti-tank and anti-drone warfare
- Can target helicopters and other airborne threats
- Developed completely with indigenous technology
- Ready for serial mass production after successful trials
The trials were conducted at the DRDO test range near Kurnool in Andhra Pradesh.
How the ULPGM-V3 Missile Was Tested
According to the official report, the trials used an advanced Ground Control System (GCS).
The system helps in:
- Command and control operations
- Automated launch readiness
- Target engagement
- Real-time weapon management
DRDO confirmed that the missile performed successfully in all planned operational conditions.
Indian Companies Involved in the Project
DRDO partnered with Indian defence companies for development and production.
Main industry partners:
- Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), Hyderabad
- Adani Defence Systems & Technologies Limited
The missile was integrated on UAVs developed by Newspace Research and Technologies, Bengaluru during the trials.
DRDO Laboratories Behind ULPGM-V3
The missile was mainly developed by Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad.
Other DRDO labs involved:
- Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL)
- Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL), Chandigarh
- High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL), Pune
This shows strong coordination between multiple Indian defence research centres.
Why This Missile is Important for India
The ULPGM-V3 gives India a modern precision weapon for future warfare.
Major advantages:
- Improves drone warfare capability
- Enhances anti-tank operations
- Strengthens anti-drone defence
- Reduces dependence on foreign missile systems
- Supports Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat goals
- Boosts India’s indigenous defence ecosystem
Experts believe such UAV-launched smart missiles will play a major role in future battlefield operations.
Rajnath Singh and DRDO Chairman React
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, defence PSUs, and industry partners for the achievement. He called the successful trials a strategic milestone for India’s defence sector.
DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V Kamat also praised scientists, engineers, and industry teams involved in the project.
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