The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully completed the final development trials of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3 in both Air-to-Ground and Air-to-Air modes. The trials were conducted at the DRDO test range near Kurnool in Andhra Pradesh. The successful tests mark a major boost to India’s indigenous defence capabilities and the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiative.
Key Features of ULPGM-V3:
The ULPGM-V3 is an advanced missile designed for launch from Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) or drones.
Important features include:
Fire-and-forget precision strike capability
Ability to engage both ground and aerial targets
Dual operational modes:
Air-to-Ground
Air-to-Air
Equipped with advanced seeker technology
Modular warhead configuration
Day-and-night operational capability
Two-way data link for post-launch target updates
Suitable for targeting:
Tanks
Bunkers
Drones
Helicopters
Other airborne threats
Importance of the Development
The successful trials demonstrate India’s growing capability in:
Indigenous missile technology
UAV-based warfare systems
Precision-guided strike weapons
Defence manufacturing self-reliance
The trials also confirmed that the domestic defence supply chain is ready for serial mass production of the missile system.
Role of Ground Control System (GCS):
The trials used an Integrated Ground Control System (GCS) to command and control the missile system.
The GCS:
Automates launch operations
Improves operational readiness
Enhances targeting and mission control efficiency
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO):
Established: 1958
Headquarters: New Delhi
Chairman: Samir V. Kamat,
Andhra Pradesh in Defence News:
Kurnool’s National Open Area Range (NOAR) has emerged as an important testing facility for advanced missile and UAV systems.
UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle):
Commonly known as drones
Used for:
Surveillance
Reconnaissance
Precision strikes
Intelligence gathering
UPSC - 2027 - Prelims cum Mains - Foundation Course / Batch Starts on 14-05-2026 
