Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh: In a defining moment for India’s unmanned warfare capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully conducted flight-trials of the advanced Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3. The trial was held at the National Open Area Range (NOAR) in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, marking a significant step forward in integrating precision munitions with indigenous UAV platforms.
Versatile Missile with Modular Warheads
ULPGM-V3 represents a technological leap over its predecessor, the ULPGM-V2. It is equipped with a high-definition dual-channel seeker capable of engaging a diverse range of targets under varied terrain and atmospheric conditions. The missile offers day-and-night operational capability and incorporates a two-way data link for real-time aim-point updates even after launch.
One of its standout features is its modular warhead design. The missile offers three configurations:
- Anti-armour warhead: Capable of penetrating modern armoured vehicles equipped with Rolled Homogeneous Armour (RHA) and Explosive Reactive Armour (ERA).
- Penetration-cum-blast variant: Designed for anti-bunker operations.
- Pre-fragmentation warhead: Engineered for maximum lethality across a wider area.
Indigenous Collaboration at the Core
The advanced missile was launched from an unmanned aerial vehicle developed by Bengaluru-based startup Newspace Research Technologies. The trials focused on the anti-armour variant of the missile. Multiple DRDO labs, including the Research Centre Imarat, Defence Research and Development Laboratory, Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory, and others, contributed to the project’s development.
DRDO is now working on integrating the missile with long-range, high-endurance UAVs being developed by various Indian companies—paving the way for a self-reliant unmanned combat ecosystem.
The development was supported by Development cum Production Partners (DcPPs) Adani Defence and Bharat Dynamics Limited, Hyderabad. Additionally, over 30 Indian MSMEs and start-ups played crucial roles in bringing this advanced system to reality.
Leadership Applauds Defence-Industry Synergy
Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh lauded the DRDO, industry partners, and start-ups for the successful trial. He said the achievement proves that Indian industry is now equipped to absorb, develop, and produce complex defence technologies indigenously.
Dr. Samir V Kamat, Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO, echoed this sentiment. He stated that the successful development of the ULPGM-V3 system reflects the urgency and importance of building homegrown precision weapons for the future battlefield.
Pathway to Autonomous Lethality
With the success of ULPGM-V3, India moves closer to achieving full-spectrum unmanned combat capabilities. The missile’s integration with indigenous UAVs not only reinforces India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative but also enhances its tactical edge in both conventional and asymmetric warfare domains.
Also Read: Raksha Rajya Mantri Reviews Missile Advancements at DRDO’s APJ Abdul Kalam Complex
