DRDO successfully completes ULPGM-V3 missile trials: All you need to know about the indigenous weapon system

In a significant boost to India’s defence capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organisation has successfully completed the final development trials of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3.

According to officials, the missile system successfully met objectives in both air-to-ground and air-to-air modes during the tests.

The Ministry of Defence said the trials were carried out at a DRDO test facility near Kurnool using an integrated Ground Control System (GCS) for command and control of the ULPGM weapon system. The GCS incorporates advanced technologies designed to automate readiness and launch procedures.

“The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully completed the final deliverable configuration development trials of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3 in air-to-ground and air-to-air modes,” the ministry said.

The ULPGM-V3, also referred to as the ULM-ER (Extended Range), is an indigenous fire-and-forget precision-guided missile designed for launch from unmanned aerial vehicles and combat drones. It is intended to neutralise both stationary and moving tactical targets on land and in the air.

The missile was developed by Research Centre Imarat as the lead laboratory, with support from multiple DRDO facilities, including Defence Research and Development Laboratory, Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory and High Energy Materials Research Laboratory.

According to the ministry, the programme relied entirely on India’s domestic defence ecosystem with participation from multiple MSMEs and industry partners.

DRDO collaborated with Bharat Dynamics Limited and Adani Defence Systems & Technologies for production and development of the missile system, while UAV platforms used in the trials were developed by NewSpace Research & Technologies.

The ministry said the successful tests demonstrated a mature indigenous supply chain capable of supporting immediate serial production.

Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, public-sector units and industry partners, describing the achievement as a major milestone toward defence self-reliance under the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative.

Samir V Kamat also congratulated teams involved in the programme for the successful completion of the trials.