India has taken a significant step in strengthening its defence capabilities with the successful testing of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3 by the Defence Research and Development Organisation. The final development trials, conducted at a test range near Kurnool, validated the missile’s performance in both air-to-ground and air-to-air roles.
What exactly is ULPGM-V3?
The ULPGM-V3, also referred to as the ULM-ER or Extended Range variant, is a precision-guided missile designed to be launched from unmanned aerial vehicles. It is built to strike both stationary and moving targets, whether on land or in the air. Its fire-and-forget capability allows it to lock onto targets without requiring continuous guidance after launch, making it suitable for modern drone warfare.
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How the system works
The trials were carried out using an advanced ground control system that manages the missile’s launch and operational readiness. This system enables command and control functions with a high degree of automation, ensuring efficient deployment during missions.
Development trials of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Launched Precision Guided Missile-V3 in Air-to-Ground & Air-to-Air modes was successfully completed at DRDO test range near Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh. pic.twitter.com/Hl3AuJhsMP
— DRDO (@DRDO_India) May 19, 2026
According to the official statement, “The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully completed the final deliverable configuration development trials of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3 in air-to-ground and air-to-air modes.”
Indigenous development and collaboration
The missile has been developed under the leadership of the Research Centre Imarat in Hyderabad, with contributions from several DRDO labs. These include Defence Research & Development Laboratory, Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory, and High Energy Materials Research Laboratory.
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Production has been carried out within India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem, involving multiple MSMEs and industry partners. Two key production agencies are Bharat Dynamics Limited and Adani Defence Systems & Technologies Limited. The system was integrated with UAV platforms developed by Newspace Research and Technologies for the trials.
Officials noted that the successful tests demonstrate a mature domestic supply chain that is ready for large-scale production.
Why ULPGM-V3 matters for India’s defence
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised the achievement, congratulating all teams involved. He highlighted the missile’s successful trials in both anti-tank and aerial combat roles and described it as a key step towards self-reliance in defence.
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“The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully completed the final deliverable configuration development trials of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3 in air-to-ground and air-to-air modes,” the ministry reiterated.
DRDO Chairman Samir V Kamat also congratulated the teams for completing the trials successfully.
With its dual-mode capability and indigenous production, the ULPGM-V3 marks an important development in India’s evolving drone-based warfare systems.
