New Delhi: In a significant milestone for India’s defence sector, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully conducted flight-trials of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3 at the National Open Area Range (NOAR) in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh. This marks a powerful leap from its predecessor, the ULPGM-V2, enhancing India’s capabilities in precision strike warfare.
Next-Generation Precision Strike Weapon
The ULPGM-V3 system integrates cutting-edge technologies, including a high-definition dual-channel seeker, enabling it to engage diverse targets with day-and-night operational capability. Its two-way data link offers real-time in-flight updates, making it adaptable to changing battlefield conditions.
The missile supports three interchangeable warhead modules:
-
Anti-armour (to neutralize advanced armoured vehicles with Explosive Reactive Armour),
-
Penetration-cum-Blast (for bunker-busting applications),
-
Pre-fragmentation warhead (offering high lethality against soft targets).
Indigenous Collaboration: From Lab to Launch
This indigenous weapon is a joint development by six DRDO laboratories, including:
-
Research Centre Imarat (RCI)
-
Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL)
-
Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL)
-
High-Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL)
-
Integrated Test Range (ITR)
-
Defence Electronics Research Laboratory (DLRL)
The drone platform used for the trials was developed by Newspace Research Technologies, a Bengaluru-based start-up. The broader project saw contributions from Development cum Production Partners (DcPPs) such as Adani Defence and Bharat Dynamics Limited, along with 30 MSMEs and start-ups, exemplifying India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat mission.
Leadership Reactions: A New Era in Defence Technology
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh applauded the successful trial and hailed it as a testament to India’s readiness to produce and absorb critical defence technologies. He congratulated the DRDO teams, industry partners, and young innovators involved in the project.
Dr. Samir V Kamat, Chairman of DRDO and Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D, reiterated that such technologies are vital for national defence and applauded the ecosystem that made it possible.
Conclusion: Building India’s Defence Future
The successful trial of ULPGM-V3 not only strengthens India’s tactical strike options but also reflects the growing synergy between government defence agencies and India’s innovation-driven private sector. As DRDO continues to pioneer next-gen weapon systems, the defence manufacturing ecosystem of India is poised for exponential growth and self-reliance.
For more real-time updates, visit Channel 6 Network.
Source: PIB
