India successfully tests ULPGM-V3 missile: Major leap in defence technology

NEW DELHI: India has successfully tested the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle-Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM-V3), capable of striking both aerial and ground targets. The test was conducted yesterday at the National Open Area Range (NOAR) in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh.

The missile, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is an upgraded version of the earlier ULPGM-V2. It features a high-definition dual-channel seeker that allows it to accurately target in both plains and high-altitude areas, during day and night operations. The missile can also be controlled and retargeted after launch.

The development was a joint effort of DRDO’s Research Centre Imarat, Defence Research and Development Laboratory, Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory, High-Energy Materials Research Laboratory, Integrated Test Range, and Defence Electronics Research Laboratory. The drone used for the launch was indigenously developed by Bengaluru-based startup NewSpace Research Technologies.

Key capabilities of ULPGM-V3

1. Can destroy tanks protected by Rolled Homogeneous Armour (RHA) and Explosive Reactive Armour (ERA).
2. Equipped with anti-bunker penetration-cum-blast warhead for bunker destruction.
3. Features pre-fragmentation warhead for maximum lethality.

Demonstrated India's strength: Defence Minister

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO and its partners for the successful test, saying it demonstrates India’s ability to indigenously develop and produce critical defence technologies. DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V. Kamat added that such weapons are the need of the hour for India’s defence preparedness.