Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully finalised the development trials of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Launched Precision Guided Missile-V3 (ULPGM-V3). These trials took place at the DRDO test range located near Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, and were successful in both Air-to-Ground and Air-to-Air configurations.

Innovative Ground Control System

The trials utilised an advanced Ground Control System (GCS) designed to command and manage the ULPGM weapon system effectively. This sophisticated GCS incorporates cutting-edge technologies that automate both readiness and launch operations, thereby enhancing operational efficiency.

DRDO has collaborated with two production entities, Bharat Dynamics Limited and Adani Defence Systems & Technologies Limited, both based in Hyderabad. This partnership is aimed at the development and subsequent production of the missile systems, highlighting the collaboration within the Indian defence sector.

The current trials employed UAVs developed by Newspace Research and Technologies located in Bengaluru, ensuring that the integration of the missile system was seamless and effective.

Development and Production Ecosystem

The ULPGM missile’s development was spearheaded by Research Centre Imarat in Hyderabad, acting as the nodal lab. Several other DRDO laboratories contributed to the development, including the Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL) in Hyderabad, the Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL) in Chandigarh, and the High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL) in Pune.

This project has successfully leveraged the Indian defence ecosystem, involving numerous micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as well as various industries, thereby fortifying the domestic industrial base. The trials affirmed the maturity of a fully established domestic supply chain capable of immediate serial mass production of the missile.

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed his commendation for the successful trials, recognising the collaborative efforts of DRDO, public sector undertakings (PSUs), defence production partners, and industry stakeholders. He emphasised that this achievement represents a significant milestone towards enhancing self-reliance in defence capabilities.

Official Recognition of Achievements

Samir V Kamat, Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO, also congratulated all teams involved in the trials, acknowledging the noteworthy accomplishment. This public recognition underlines the collective efforts and dedication of all personnel associated with the missile’s development and testing.

The successful completion of the ULPGM-V3 trials reiterates India’s commitment to bolstering its defence capabilities through indigenous production. This accords with broader national objectives of self-reliance, integral to the country’s strategic defence policy.

Furthermore, the successful testing enhances India’s operational readiness in both anti-tank and airborne target engagement, thereby expanding its defensive and offensive capabilities in contemporary military conditions. The trajectory towards achieving a robust indigenous defence production ecosystem now appears more promising than ever.

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