In a major boost to India’s defence capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully test-fired a drone-launched precision-guided missile at a test range in Andhra Pradesh.
The DRDO carried out the trials of the UAV Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3 in Kurnool.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh took to his social media handle on X and congratulated the DRDO, calling the trials a “major boost” to India’s missile capabilities
“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,” posted the Defence Minister.
“This success proves that the Indian industry is now ready to absorb and produce critical Defence Technologies,” his post read.
The ULPGM-V2, developed by DRDO’s Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL), is notable for its adaptable multi-warhead configurations.
Building on this foundation, the newly unveiled variant—likely designated ULPGM-V3—was showcased at Aero India 2025 with a host of advanced features.
These include imaging infrared (IIR) seekers and dual-thrust propulsion systems, aligning with the ongoing shift toward extended-range, UAV-launched precision munitions.
Designed to be lightweight, accurate, and compatible with diverse aerial platforms, ULPGM systems offer enhanced strategic flexibility across modern combat scenarios.
The choice of the NOAR (Neutralization of Aerial Threats Range) facility in Kurnool for recent trials reflects DRDO’s broader strategy of leveraging specialised infrastructure to validate emerging technologies.
NOAR has also hosted successful demonstrations of high-energy laser-based Directed Energy Weapons (DEWs), including systems capable of neutralising fixed-wing UAVs and drone swarms—underscoring India’s rapidly advancing test capabilities in next-generation defence technologies.
