DRDO successfully tests UAV-launched missile in air and ground combat modes

India’s defence research agency Defence Research and Development Organisation has completed development trials of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3 in both Air-to-Ground and Air-to-Air modes, marking a key step in the country’s indigenous defence manufacturing programme.

The trials were conducted at the DRDO test range near Kurnool using an integrated Ground Control System (GCS) to command and control the ULPGM weapon system, according to a government statement issued on Tuesday.

The Ground Control System uses automated technologies for readiness and launch operations. The missile system has been integrated on UAVs developed by Newspace Research and Technologies, Bengaluru, for the current trials.

DRDO partnered with Bharat Dynamics Limited and Adani Defence Systems & Technologies Limited for the development and production of the missiles.

The ULPGM missile was developed by Research Centre Imarat as the nodal laboratory along with other DRDO facilities, including Defence Research and Development Laboratory, Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory and High Energy Materials Research Laboratory.

The government said the missile was produced entirely through the Indian defence ecosystem involving MSMEs and other domestic industries. It added that the trials confirmed a “fully mature domestic supply chain” capable of immediate serial mass production.

Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, public sector units, defence production partners and the industry for the successful trials. “He termed it a strategic milestone achieved towards Aatmanirbharta in Defence,” the statement said.The Defence Ministry said the Air-to-Ground mode is designed for anti-tank operations, while the Air-to-Air mode can engage drones, helicopters and other airborne targets.