JULY 25: In a significant stride towards enhancing India’s indigenous defence capabilities, the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully conducted flight trials of the third-generation Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM-V3). The trials took place at the National Open Area Range (NOAR) in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh.
An upgraded version of the earlier ULPGM-V2, the ULPGM-V3 boasts advanced targeting and strike features. It is fitted with a dual-channel high-definition seeker, enabling precision targeting across diverse terrain, including both plains and high-altitude zones. The system is operational both day and night and includes a two-way data link that allows post-launch aim-point updates, enhancing mission flexibility.
The missile supports three interchangeable warhead configurations:
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Anti-armour: Designed to neutralize modern armored vehicles protected by Rolled Homogeneous Armour (RHA) and Explosive Reactive Armour (ERA).
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Penetration-cum-Blast: Effective against bunkers and fortified structures.
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Pre-fragmentation: Covers a wide lethality zone for soft targets.
The trials focused on the Anti-armour configuration, validating its performance against high-strength targets.
The ULPGM-V3 was launched from an indigenously developed UAV by Bengaluru-based start-up Newspace Research Technologies, showcasing the synergy between DRDO and India’s growing private defence sector. DRDO also aims to integrate this missile with other long-range and endurance UAVs from Indian companies in the near future.
This advanced missile is a joint effort by several 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.
Over 30 MSMEs and start-ups contributed to the project along with Development-cum-Production Partners (DcPPs) — Adani Defence and Bharat Dynamics Limited, Hyderabad — who played a crucial role in its success.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO and its industry partners, stating the success demonstrates India’s readiness to produce and absorb cutting-edge defence technologies. DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V Kamat echoed these sentiments, calling the missile’s development a timely and critical achievement for national security.
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