DRDO Successfully Conducts Flight Trials of Upgraded UAV-Launched Missile ULPGM-V3 in Andhra Pradesh.
Science and Technology
In July 2025, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully carried out flight trials of the upgraded Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)-Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3 at the National Open Air Range (NOAR) located in Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh (AP). This advanced missile is a next-generation variant designed for precision strikes with low collateral damage.
- The ULPGM-V3 is a fire-and-forget, precision-guided air-to-surface missile engineered for launch from UAV platforms. It is specifically built to neutralize both static and moving enemy targets while minimizing operational risk to personnel.
- This variant builds upon the previous ULPGM-V2, originally developed by DRDO’s Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL), and features improved accuracy, targeting, and control systems.
- The development of the ULPGM-V3 involved a strong partnership between DRDO and Indian defence industry players, including Development-cum-Production Partners (DcPPs),MSMEs, and indigenous start-ups. The missile was manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) in collaboration with Adani Defence Systems, showcasing the success of public-private defence initiatives in India.
Main Point :- (i) Technically, the ULPGM-V3 weighs 12.5 kg and uses a dual-thrust solid propulsion system, capable of targeting enemies up to 4 km during daylight and 2.5 km at night. It uses advanced Imaging Infrared (IIR) seeker technology to ensure accurate guidance even in low-light conditions and features tandem warheads optimized to defeat armour with Explosive Reactive Armour (ERA).
(ii) The missile's upgraded features include two-way communication links, enhanced imaging systems, and AI-enabled decision support to allow real-time changes in mission parameters.
(iii) ULPGM-V3 is compatible with multiple UAV platforms and provides India’s defence forces with a versatile and indigenous solution for precision strike missions across diverse terrains and threat environments.
About DRDO
Chairman : Dr. Samir Venkatapati Kamat
Headquarters: New Delhi
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