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India has successfully conducted the test-firing of a drone-launched precision-guided missile in Andhra Pradesh, marking a significant milestone in its quest for indigenous advanced weaponry. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) carried out the trials of the UAV Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3 at the National Open Area Range (NOAR) in Kurnool. The test is another boost to the governmentтАЩs тАШAtmanirbhar BharatтАЩ initiative aimed at self-reliance in cutting-edge defence technologies.
The ULPGM-V3 is a laser-guided, anti-tank missile developed by DRDO’s Research Centre Imarat (RCI). Lightweight and man-portable, the missile is designed for “top-attack” precision strikes against heavily armoured tanks, vehicles, and fortified bunkers. The V3 variant builds upon earlier prototypes with advanced guidance and targeting features.
Earlier, the ULPGM-V2, developed by DRDO’s Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL), featured multiple warhead configurations. The evolution towards drone-launched, extended-range munitions, first unveiled at Aero India 2025, includes upgrades such as imaging infrared (IIR) seekers and dual-thrust propulsion, which are likely to be integrated into the V3 version.
Key Features of ULPGM-V3
- Class & Range: A next-generation air-to-ground missile, also known as ULM-ER (Unmanned Launched Munition тАУ Extended Range).
- Guidance System: Passive homing with an IIR seeker, enabling true fire-and-forget capability, both day and night.
- Performance: Weighs 12.5 kg, powered by a dual-thrust solid motor, with an operational range of up to 4 km in daylight and 2.5 km at night.
- Connectivity & Payload: Supports two-way datalink communication and multiple warhead types, allowing it to strike both moving and stationary targets with high accuracy.
The missile was launched from an indigenously developed UAV by Newspace Research Technologies, Bengaluru, one of several Indian start-ups partnering with DRDO. Over 30 MSMEs and start-ups, along with Development-cum-Production Partners (DcPPs) such as Adani Defence and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), contributed to the project.
Testing Ground and Recent Advances
The choice of NOAR in Kurnool aligns with DRDOтАЩs strategy of validating frontier technologies at advanced test facilities. The range recently hosted successful trials of high-energy Directed Energy Weapons (DEWs), capable of neutralising swarm drones and fixed-wing UAVs, underlining IndiaтАЩs growing high-tech defence testing ecosystem.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hailed the test as a тАЬmajor boostтАЭ to IndiaтАЩs missile capabilities, stating on social media that the success demonstrates the maturity of Indian industry in absorbing and producing critical defence technologies.
Dr. Samir Kamat, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and DRDO Chairman, also congratulated the teams and industry partners, calling the weaponтАЩs development тАЬthe need of the hour for future combat scenarios.тАЭ
Team BharatShakti
