India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has achieved a significant milestone with the successful flight trials of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3. Conducted at the National Open Area Range (NOAR) in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, this trial underscores India’s growing prowess in developing advanced military technologies, particularly in the realm of unmanned aerial systems.
The ULPGM-V3 represents a substantial upgrade over its predecessor, the ULPGM-V2. Equipped with a high-definition dual-channel seeker, the missile can effectively engage a wide range of targets in both standard and high-altitude environments, operating seamlessly day and night. Its two-way data link allows for post-launch updates to targets and aim points, enhancing its operational flexibility.
One of the standout features of the ULPGM-V3 is its modular warhead system, offering three distinct options: an anti-armour warhead designed to neutralise modern armoured vehicles equipped with Rolled Homogeneous Armour (RHA) and Explosive Reactive Armour (ERA); a penetration-cum-blast warhead tailored for anti-bunker operations; and a pre-fragmentation warhead that delivers a high lethality zone. This versatility positions the ULPGM-V3 as a formidable asset in diverse combat scenarios.
The missile was launched from an indigenously developed UAV by Bengaluru-based startup Newspace Research Technologies, demonstrating the growing synergy between India’s defence research institutions and private sector innovators. DRDO is actively pursuing the integration of ULPGM weapons with long-range and high-endurance UAVs from other Indian companies, further strengthening the domestic defence ecosystem.
The development of the ULPGM-V3 is a collaborative effort involving multiple DRDO laboratories, including Research Centre Imarat, Defence Research and Development Laboratory, Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory, High-Energy Materials Research Laboratory, Integrated Test Range, and Defence Electronics Research Laboratory. The project also saw significant contributions from Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) such as Adani Defence and Bharat Dynamics Limited, along with 30 MSMEs and start-ups, highlighting the broad-based industrial participation in India’s defence innovation landscape.
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, industry partners, Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), MSMEs, and start-ups for the successful trials of the ULPGM-V3 system. He emphasised that this achievement is a testament to India’s capability to absorb and produce critical defence technologies, marking a significant step forward in the country’s self-reliance in military technology.
Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO, also lauded the teams involved, stating that the development of such a weapon is crucial at this juncture. This success not only bolsters India’s defence capabilities but also positions the country as a key player in the global defence technology arena.
The ULPGM-V3’s successful trial is a clear indication of India’s strategic focus on enhancing its defence capabilities through indigenous innovation. As the country continues to invest in advanced military technologies, the ULPGM-V3 stands as a testament to the potential of public-private partnerships in driving defence innovation. This development is likely to shape future trends in unmanned aerial warfare, influencing both regional and global defence strategies.
