DRDO Successfully Tests Advanced ULPGM-V3 Missile

India takes a significant stride in indigenous defence technology with DRDO’s successful flight-trials of the advanced ULPGM-V3 missile launched from a UAV, showcasing the strength of collaboration between DRDO, Indian start-ups, and industry partners.

Highlights:

• Successful Trial: ULPGM-V3 missile tested at NOAR test range, Kurnool.
• Technological Advancements: Features dual-channel seeker, modular warheads, and two-way data link.
• Indigenous UAV Launch: Missile launched from a UAV developed by Newspace Research Technologies, Bengaluru.
• Collaborative Development: Joint effort by multiple DRDO labs, Adani Defence, Bharat Dynamics Ltd, and 30 MSMEs/startups.
• Defence Minister’s Praise: Raksha Mantri hails it as proof of Indian industry’s readiness for advanced defence production.

In a significant development that boosts India’s indigenous defence capabilities, the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully conducted flight-trials of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3. The trial took place at the National Open Area Range (NOAR) in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh.

The ULPGM-V3 is an advanced variant of the ULPGM-V2, previously developed by DRDO. It is designed with cutting-edge features, including a high-definition dual-channel seeker, day-and-night operational capabilities, and a two-way data link that allows for real-time post-launch updates. It can be effectively deployed in both plain terrain and high-altitude areas.

Notably, the missile boasts three modular warhead configurations:

• Anti-Armour Warhead: Effective against modern armoured vehicles with RHA and ERA protection.
• Penetration-cum-Blast Warhead: Ideal for bunker-busting operations.
• Pre-fragmentation Warhead: Designed to create a high-lethality zone for broader impact.

The missile was released from an indigenously developed UAV, created by Bengaluru-based start-up Newspace Research Technologies. DRDO is also working with other Indian UAV developers to integrate the ULPGM system into more long-range and high-endurance platforms.

The project represents a remarkable collaboration across DRDO labs, including the Research Centre Imarat, DRDL, TBRL, HEMRL, ITR, and DLRL. Development-cum-Production Partners (DcPPs) such as Adani Defence and Bharat Dynamics Limited, along with 30 MSMEs and start-ups, played a pivotal role in bringing this innovation to fruition.

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh congratulated all stakeholders, stating that the success of ULPGM-V3 is a testament to India’s maturing capability in producing critical defence technologies. DRDO Chairman Dr Samir V Kamat echoed this sentiment, underlining the importance of such advanced weapons in meeting modern warfare requirements.

This achievement not only marks a technological milestone but also showcases India’s growing self-reliance in defence innovation through synergistic public-private partnerships.