DRDO Conducts Successful Flight Trials of Advanced UAV-Launched Precision Guided Missile V3
India's defence capabilities have received a significant boost as the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully completed flight trials for the third iteration of its Unmanned Aerial Vehicle-Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM-V3). The test, conducted at the National Open Area Range (NOAR) in Kurnool, represents a major step forward in the nation's ability to execute precision strikes using homegrown unmanned technologies.
The ULPGM-V3 is an enhanced version of the ULPGM-V2, featuring a high-definition dual-channel seeker that allows for precise engagement of a wide array of targets. The missile is adept at operating in both lowland and high-altitude environments and includes day-and-night targeting capabilities. Additionally, it boasts a two-way data link for aim-point updates post-launch.
A standout characteristic of the ULPGM-V3 is its modular warhead design, offering three configurations: an anti-armour warhead that can penetrate advanced armour systems, including those with Explosive Reactive Armour (ERA); a penetration-cum-blast warhead for destroying bunkers; and a pre-fragmentation warhead that creates a large lethality zone for soft targets.
The recent trials focused on the anti-armour configuration, with the missile being launched from a UAV developed by the Bengaluru-based start-up Newspace Research Technologies. DRDO is collaborating with various Indian companies to deploy ULPGM systems on long-range, high-endurance drones.
This project involves extensive collaboration, engaging multiple DRDO laboratories such as the Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), and Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL), among others. Development-cum-Production Partners (DcPPs) Adani Defence and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), along with over 30 Indian MSMEs and start-ups, played pivotal roles in the development and testing of the missile.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commended DRDO and its industry partners for their achievement, noting that the successful trials underscore India's increasing proficiency in adopting and producing sophisticated defence technologies. Dr. Samir V Kamat, Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D and DRDO Chairman, also lauded the teams involved, emphasizing the importance of indigenous weapon development for national security.
The success of the ULPGM-V3 not only enhances India's military capabilities but also aligns with the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, which aims to achieve self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
