NEWS

• India achieved a significant milestone by successfully test-firing an indigenously developed precision-guided missile from a UAV.
• The test, conducted at the National Open Area Range in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, featured the ULPGM-V3, an upgraded version of DRDO’s ULPGM-V2.

HIGHLIGHTS

Indigenous Development and Launch

• The missile was launched from a UAV developed by Newspace Research Technologies, a Bengaluru-based start-up.
• This collaboration marks a step toward independent capability in UAV-based anti-armour warfare.

Features of ULPGM-V3

• Equipped with a dual-channel high-definition seeker for accurate targeting.
• Operational in both plain and high-altitude terrains.
• Supports day-and-night operations with a two-way data link for real-time updates post-launch.

Advanced Warhead Capabilities

• Modular design offers three types of warheads:
  • Penetration against modern armour (RHA + ERA).
  • Anti-bunker penetration-cum-blast type.
  • Pre-fragmentation warhead with a high lethality zone.
• The current test validated the anti-armour configuration.

Collaborative Development

• Jointly developed by multiple DRDO labs:
  • RCI, DRDL, TBRL, HEMRL, ITR, and DERL.
• Future integration planned with long-range UAVs from Indian defence firms including Adani Defence and Bharat Dynamics Limited.