DRDO test-fires drone-launched missile

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully conducted flight trials of the UAV-Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3 at the National Open Area Range (NOAR) test range in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said.

He noted that the missile system was developed in collaboration with industry partners, including Defence Capital Procurement Partners (DcPPs), micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and start-ups. Congratulating DRDO and its partners, Singh said, “This success proves that the Indian industry is now ready to absorb and produce critical defence technologies.”

Features

The ULPGM-V3, also referred to as ULM-ER (extended-range variant), is an advanced version of DRDO’s UAV-launched precision munition. According to the DRDO website citing Janes, the missile features passive homing using an imaging infrared (IR) seeker, allowing for accurate engagement in both day and night conditions.


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The 12.5 kg fire-and-forget air-to-surface missile is powered by a compact dual-thrust solid propulsion unit, enabling it to reach a maximum range of 4 km during daytime operations and 2.5 km at night. It also incorporates a two-way datalink for communication and offers multiple warhead options to engage a variety of static and moving targets.

Adani and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) are the principal manufacturing partners for the ULPGM programme, while DRDO remains responsible for its design, development, and testing.

There are three known variants of the ULPGM: the baseline ULPGM V1, the production-ready ULPGM V2 (commonly referred to as ULPGM), and the extended-range ULPGM V3 or ULM-ER. The key differences among the variants lie in improvements to range, performance, and guidance systems.

(With inputs from TOI)