India's Defence Milestone: Successful Trials of UAV-Launched Precision Guided Missile

Significant Advancement in Defence Technology

New Delhi: In a remarkable enhancement of India's self-sufficient defence capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted flight trials of the UAV-Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3 at the National Open Area Range (NOAR) located in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, on Friday.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh shared this achievement on the social media platform X, stating:

“In a major boost to India’s defence capabilities, @DRDO_India has 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. 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.”

While the specific details of the ULPGM-V3 remain confidential, its development aligns with India's strategic advancements in guided missile technology.

Previously, the ULPGM-V2 was created by DRDO’s Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL), which included various warhead configurations. The transition to UAV-launched, extended-range munitions, showcased at Aero India 2025, incorporates advanced features such as imaging infrared (IIR) seekers and dual-thrust propulsion systems, likely present in the V3 model.

This successful trial underscores India's increasing emphasis on unmanned precision strike capabilities, a crucial aspect of contemporary military strategy.

The ULPGM systems are engineered to be lightweight, accurate, and adaptable to different aerial platforms, offering strategic versatility in combat scenarios.

The selection of NOAR in Kurnool for these trials reflects DRDO's commitment to validating cutting-edge technologies. The facility has recently conducted successful tests of high-energy laser-based Directed Energy Weapons (DEWs), which have effectively neutralized fixed-wing UAVs and swarm drones, showcasing India's growing high-tech testing capabilities.

This successful trial represents a significant advancement in the nation's quest for self-reliance in essential defence technologies, driven by collaborative efforts among DRDO, private industry, and MSMEs.