DRDO successfully tests UAV-Launched Precision Missile in dual combat roles
New Delhi, May 20. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully completed the final configuration development trials of its Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3, validating the system in both air-to-ground and air-to-air combat roles. The trials were conducted at a DRDO test range near Kurnool in Andhra Pradesh using an advanced Ground Control System (GCS) designed to automate launch and operational readiness.
The ULPGM-V3 was tested in anti-tank strikes in air-to-ground mode, and against drones, helicopters and other aerial targets in air-to-air mode, demonstrating the missile’s versatility when deployed from unmanned aerial platforms. The integrated GCS enabled seamless command and control of the missile system during the trials.
For the missile’s development and production, DRDO has partnered with Bharat Dynamics Limited and Adani Defence Systems & Technologies Limited. The system was integrated onto UAV platforms developed by Newspace Research and Technologies for the trials.
The ULPGM programme is being led by DRDO’s Research Centre Imarat as the nodal laboratory, with key contributions from the Defence Research and Development Laboratory, Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory and High Energy Materials Research Laboratory.
According to DRDO, the missile has been developed entirely within India’s defence industrial ecosystem, with extensive participation from MSMEs and other domestic industry partners. The successful trials have confirmed the maturity of the indigenous supply chain, making the system ready for immediate serial production.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, public sector undertakings, production partners and industry stakeholders for the achievement, describing the trials as a strategic milestone for self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
DRDO Chairman and Secretary, Department of Defence R&D, Samir V Kamat, also commended the teams involved for the successful demonstration of the missile’s capabilities.
