New Delhi/Kurnool — In a major stride toward strengthening India’s indigenous defence capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully conducted flight trials of the UAV Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3 at the National Open Area Range (NOAR) in Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh.
The announcement was made by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on social media platform X, where he hailed the success as a “major boost to India’s defence preparedness” and praised the collaboration between DRDO, defence production partners (DcPPs), MSMEs, and start-ups.
“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,” Singh wrote.
ULPGM-V3: India’s Next-Gen Precision Weapon
The ULPGM-V3 is a cutting-edge missile system launched from Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), tailored for high-precision strikes against static and mobile targets. The weapon is designed to enhance tactical capabilities by combining stealth, accuracy, and low collateral damage, and fits into India’s larger objective of achieving self-reliance in advanced defence technologies under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
The test in Kurnool was aimed at evaluating the missile’s performance under realistic conditions, including its guidance, tracking, and terminal accuracy. Sources close to the development suggest that the trials met all mission objectives, including target lock-on and high strike precision.
Building on a Broader Vision: Indian Army’s Decade of Transformation
The successful trial of the ULPGM-V3 follows a series of extensive Capacity Development Demonstrations by the Indian Army in May 2025. These demonstrations, held across Pokhran, Babina, Joshimath, Agra, and Gopalpur, were part of the Army’s roadmap for a “Decade of Transformation.”
During these exercises, a wide range of futuristic defence systems were evaluated under near-combat conditions with integrated electronic warfare simulations. The aim was clear: to assess the readiness of indigenous technologies for real-time battlefield scenarios.
Notably, General Upendra Dwivedi, the Chief of the Army Staff, personally reviewed demonstrations at Babina Field Firing Ranges on May 27, interacting with DRDO officials, private manufacturers, and military personnel involved in the trials.
Key Platforms Demonstrated Alongside ULPGM-V3
The recent capacity demonstrations featured a host of breakthrough technologies developed in India, including:
- Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)
- Runway-Independent Remotely Piloted Aerial Systems (RPAS)
- Counter-UAS Solutions
- Loitering Munitions
- Specialised Vertical Launch (SVL) Drones
- Precision Multi-Munition Delivery Systems
- Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction Systems (IDDIS)
- Low-Level Light Weight Radars
- VSHORADS (Next-Gen Infrared Systems)
- Advanced Electronic Warfare (EW) Platforms
The inclusion of such advanced platforms underlines India’s growing capability to rapidly integrate and absorb emerging technologies in a bid to meet evolving security challenges and maintain a strategic edge.
Public-Private Synergy at the Forefront
The ULPGM-V3 trial is also symbolic of the deepening synergy between India’s defence forces and domestic manufacturers. The Defence Minister’s recognition of start-ups and MSMEs highlights a growing confidence in the ability of smaller players to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s strategic ambitions.
With a robust ecosystem now taking shape — driven by innovation, state support, and industry partnerships — India’s dream of “Make in India, Make for the World” in defence manufacturing is steadily becoming a reality.
Looking Ahead: From Trials to Deployment
While the successful test of ULPGM-V3 is a significant milestone, the focus now shifts to production, deployment, and integration of the missile system into India’s frontline UAV fleets. Experts believe the missile could play a pivotal role in mountain and desert warfare, especially in precision-targeting operations in complex terrains.
As India braces for next-generation warfare, armed with intelligent platforms and autonomous weapons, developments like these are likely to redefine the nation’s defence posture in the coming years.
