Big Boost As DRDO Test Fires Missile From Drone UAV-Launched Precision Missile ULPGM-V3 In Andhra Pradesh

New Delhi: In a major boost to India’s defence capabilities, the Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully carried out flight trials of drone-launched precision guided missile (ULPGM)-V3 in the National Open Area Range (NOAR), test range in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh.

Lauding the armed forces and research organisations, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said, “Congratulations to DRDO and the industry partners, DcPPs, MSMEs and Start-ups for the development and successful trials of the ULPGM-V3 system. This success proves that the Indian industry is now ready to absorb and produce critical Defence Technologies.”

DRDO's Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL) had developed the ULPGM-V2 with multiple warhead configurations.

The drone was recently upgraded to launch extended-range munitions and sophisticated enhancements such as imaging infrared (IIR) seekers and dual-thrust propulsion systems.

Earlier in May, the Indian Army undertook extensive Capacity Development Demonstrations at key locations across the country, including the Pokhran Field Firing Ranges, Babina Field Firing Ranges, and Joshimath, with dedicated Air Defence equipment demonstrations also scheduled at Agra and Gopalpur.

According to an official press release issued on May 31, these field trials were conducted under near-combat conditions, integrating electronic warfare simulations to assess the performance of cutting-edge defence systems rigorously. 

On May 27, General Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff, visited Babina Field Firing Ranges and reviewed the ongoing demonstrations and interacted with all stakeholders.

The demonstrations featured a wide array of advanced technologies developed under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, aimed at accelerating indigenous capability development. 

The trials mark a significant step in the Indian Army's roadmap for a "Decade of Transformation" and are designed to ensure rapid absorption of emerging technologies to meet evolving battlefield requirements. 

A large number of defence industry partners also took part in the demonstration, reflecting the increasing synergy between the Indian Army and domestic manufacturers.

Key platforms undergoing evaluation included Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), UAV Launched Precision Guided Munition (ULPGM), Runway Independent (RWI) Remotely Piloted Aerial Systems (RPAS), Counter-UAS Solutions, Loitering Munitions, Specialised Vertical Launch (SVL) Drones, Precision Multi Munition Delivery Systems, Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction System (IDDIS), Low Level Light Weight Radars, VSHORADS (Next Generation) IR Systems and Electronic Warfare (EW) Platforms.

With inputs from ANI