NEW DELHI July 25: In a strong demonstration of India’s growing defence self-reliance, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully conducted flight trials of the UAV Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3 at the National Open Area Range (NOAR) in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hailed the success as a “major boost” to India’s missile capabilities and a clear signal that Indian industry is now capable of absorbing and producing critical defence technologies.
In a post on X, Singh congratulated DRDO, its industry partners, including Development-cum-Production Partners (DcPPs), MSMEs, and start-ups, for the development and successful testing of the advanced missile system. “This success proves that the Indian industry is now ready to absorb and produce critical Defence Technologies,” he said.
The ULPGM-V3 is a precision-guided missile launched from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), designed to strike targets with high accuracy while reducing risk to personnel. It builds on earlier versions of the system and integrates cutting-edge upgrades intended to meet modern battlefield demands.
Among the key features of the V3 Variant, it has Imaging Infrared (IIR) seekers for advanced target acquisition, Dual-thrust propulsion systems for extended range and speed and its Lightweight construction ensures compatibility with a variety of UAVs. This allows for greater strategic flexibility enabling precision strikes in rugged or high-risk terrain without putting boots on the ground.
The ULPGM-V3 follows the earlier ULPGM-V2, developed by DRDO’s Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL). The V2 variant was notable for its multiple warhead configurations, aimed at enhancing operational versatility. With the V3, DRDO has taken the system further by incorporating advanced guidance and propulsion technologies suitable for drone-based deployment. Together, these developments signal a shift in India’s approach to modern warfare, moving towards network-centric, high-precision, and unmanned strike capabilities.
The National Open Area Range (NOAR) in Kurnool has become central to India’s defence trials, particularly for advanced and experimental systems. The facility has previously hosted high-profile tests, including Directed Energy Weapons (DEWs) using high-energy lasers and Anti-drone systems that neutralised fixed-wing UAVs and swarm drones.
The choice of NOAR for the ULPGM-V3 trial aligns with DRDO’s broader strategy of validating cutting-edge systems in real-world conditions. The successful test not only demonstrates the missile’s performance but also highlights the growing sophistication of India’s testing infrastructure.
Beyond the technical triumph, the ULPGM-V3 marks a significant moment for the Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative in the defence sector. With private players, MSMEs and start-ups working alongside DRDO, the project reflects the maturing of India’s defence-industrial ecosystem. This is particularly relevant as India continues to push for reduced import dependency in defence and an increased share of indigenous production in the armed forces’ modernisation drive.
(Manas Dasgupta)
