DRDO Successfully Tests Indigenous ULPGM-V3 Missile

DRDO Successfully Tests Indigenous ULPGM-V3 Missile: A New Milestone in Indigenous Defence Power

India has taken a significant leap forward in indigenous defence technology with the successful flight trials of the UAV Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3, carried out by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Conducted at the National Open Area Range (NOAR) in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, this trial highlights India’s expanding capabilities in precision-guided munitions, especially in Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) warfare.

This achievement comes in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor, India’s strategic response to cross-border terrorism following the Pahalgam terror attack, where indigenous weapons and air defence systems played a critical role. The recent success of the ULPGM-V3 adds further strength to India’s growing commitment towards self-reliance in defence under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

What is ULPGM-V3?

The UAV Launched Precision Guided Missile-V3 is an advanced, upgraded version of the ULPGM-V2 previously developed by DRDO’s Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL). Compact yet powerful, the V3 variant was officially unveiled during Aero India 2025 and is a benchmark in modern Indian missile technology.

Key Features of ULPGM-V3:

• Lightweight and compact design, ideal for UAV integration
• High-definition dual-channel seeker for precision targeting
• Day-and-night operational capability
• Two-way data link for real-time target updates
• Three warhead options:
  • Anti-Armour (for tanks with ERA)
  • Penetration-cum-Blast (anti-bunker)
  • Pre-fragmentation (area effect)

It also features a dual-thrust propulsion system and imaging infrared (IIR) seeker, allowing long-range engagement with maximum precision.

In a major boost to India’s defence capabilities, DRDO successfully carried out flight trials of UAV Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3 in the National Open Area Range (NOAR), test range in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh.
https://t.co/JiIMxJTOhy

— DRDO (@DRDO_India)
July 23, 2025

Indigenous Integration with Indian UAVs

In a landmark collaboration, the ULPGM-V3 was launched from a UAV developed by Newspace Research Technologies, a Bengaluru-based Indian start-up. This marks an important milestone in the synergistic integration of private sector innovation with DRDO’s core defence R&D.

Further integrations are planned with high-endurance UAVs manufactured by other Indian firms, supporting India’s roadmap towards creating a robust unmanned aerial strike capability.

Defence Minister’s Statement

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO and its partners, including Development-cum-Production Partners (DcPPs), MSMEs, and Start-ups, stating:

“This success proves that the Indian industry is now ready to absorb and produce critical Defence Technologies.”

DRDO’s Broader Defence Roadmap

The ULPGM-V3 trial is part of a larger movement by DRDO to develop cutting-edge weapon systems across multiple domains. Some of the other technologies currently being tested and evaluated include:

• Runway Independent RPAS
• Loitering Munitions
• Specialised Vertical Launch (SVL) Drones
• Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction Systems (IDDIS)
• Precision Multi Munition Delivery Systems
• Next-Gen Electronic Warfare (EW) Platforms
• Low-Level Lightweight Radars & VSHORADS IR Systems

This success builds on earlier achievements such as the successful test of Astra, the indigenous Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) from a Su-30 Mk-I fighter aircraft.

Operation Sindoor & India’s Defence Posture

The recent defence engagements, especially Operation Sindoor, demonstrated the effective use of indigenous weapons in counter-terrorism and cross-border retaliation. These events underscore India’s growing confidence in its homegrown technologies and its ability to respond swiftly and precisely to national security threats.

Conclusion

The successful testing of the ULPGM-V3 missile marks a turning point in India’s journey toward technological self-sufficiency in defence. The convergence of public-sector innovation (DRDO) and private-sector capability is accelerating India’s rise as a global military technology powerhouse.

At The Prayas India, we believe understanding such milestones is essential for UPSC, defence, and current affairs aspirants. Stay updated with our regular insights into India’s evolving defence strategies and innovations.