India has taken a significant step forward in strengthening its defence capabilities with the successful test-firing of a precision-guided missile launched from a drone. This cutting-edge weapon, named the UAV Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3, was developed indigenously by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and recently tested at the National Open Area Range (NOAR) in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh.
What Makes the ULPGM-V3 Stand Out?
The ULPGM-V3 is a state-of-the-art missile designed specifically for launch from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones, marking a milestone in modern warfare technology. Its advanced features include:
- Precision Targeting and Versatility: Equipped with a high-definition dual-channel seeker and a two-way data link, the missile can accurately strike diverse targets across plains and challenging high-altitude terrains — even under night operations.
- Multiple Warhead Options: The missile supports three types of modular warheads — anti-armour designed to penetrate explosive reactive armour, penetration-cum-blast for bunker busting, and pre-fragmentation for wide-area effect.
- Extended Range and Lightweight Build: With a range of up to four kilometers, this lightweight missile increases drone endurance and allows strikes from safe distances.
- Fire-and-Forget Capability: Once launched, the missile can autonomously guide itself to the target, reducing operator workload and increasing mission success rates.
Indigenous Innovation and Industry Collaboration
What adds to the significance of this achievement is the collaboration between defence research and private industry. The missile was developed by DRDO’s premier laboratories including the Research Centre Imarat and Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory, while the drone platform was created by Bengaluru-based startup Newspace Research Technologies. This public-private partnership exemplifies India’s growing commitment to self-reliance and innovation in defence technology, with participation from over 30 startups and MSMEs.
Strategic Importance for India’s Defence
Integrating precision-guided missiles with UAVs offers numerous benefits:
- Enhanced Tactical Flexibility: Drones equipped with such missiles can carry out surgical precision strikes without putting pilots at risk, especially in hostile or inaccessible areas.
- Improved Battlefield Effectiveness: Real-time target updates and highly accurate strikes increase mission success and minimize collateral damage.
- Strengthening Defence Autonomy: Indigenous development reduces reliance on foreign suppliers, ensuring strategic freedom and timely access to critical technologies.
- Boost to the Domestic Defence Ecosystem: Involving startups and MSMEs promotes innovation, generates skilled employment, and strengthens India’s defence manufacturing capabilities.
Looking Ahead
The successful testing of the ULPGM-V3 is a stepping stone towards more sophisticated unmanned weapon systems. DRDO aims to integrate this missile with a variety of Indian-made UAVs, enhancing the armed forces’ operational reach and response time. This aligns with India’s broader vision of modernizing its military with cutting-edge, indigenous technologies that meet evolving security challenges.
Conclusion
The ULPGM-V3 missile fired from a drone marks a remarkable achievement in India’s defence technology landscape. It symbolizes a perfect blend of advanced innovation, practical military utility, and a growing self-reliant defence ecosystem supported by government institutions and private industry alike. For students and defence enthusiasts, this milestone is a compelling example of how technology and strategy converge to elevate national security in the 21st century.
