Kurnool, July 27: India on Thursday successfully tested an upgraded version of a precision-guided missile launched from an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), marking a major step in the country’s drive towards self-reliance in defence technology.
The third-generation Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM-V3) was flight-tested at the National Open Area Range in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), in collaboration with Indian start-up Newspace Research Technologies, which developed the UAV platform.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described the test as a “significant boost to India’s defence capabilities.” In a post on social media platform X, he congratulated DRDO, start-ups, MSMEs and private industry for the successful trial.
“This success proves that the Indian industry is now ready to absorb and produce critical defence technologies,” Singh said.
The missile system was developed with support from several DRDO labs, including RCI, DRDL, TBRL, HEMRL, ITR and DLRL, and involved private firms such as Adani Defence and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) as development-cum-production partners. Over 30 Indian start-ups and MSMEs contributed to the missile’s components.
Key features of ULPGM-V3:
- Advanced Guidance: The missile is equipped with a high-definition dual-channel seeker, enhancing its accuracy in both day and night operations.
- Two-Way Data Link: Allows operators to adjust target coordinates mid-flight, improving precision and flexibility.
- Modular Warheads: Offers three configurations — anti-armour, penetration-cum-blast for bunkers, and pre-fragmented for soft targets.
- All-Terrain Use: Designed for deployment in both high-altitude and flat terrains, increasing its strategic applicability.
The test is part of India’s broader efforts to boost domestic defence manufacturing and reduce dependence on foreign military systems.
