The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted the final deliverable configuration trials of the indigenous Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3 on May 27, 2026. These trials, held at the National Open Area Range (NOAR) in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, validated the missile’s ability to neutralize both ground and aerial targets. This achievement marks a critical step toward the serial production of the missile, bolstering India’s strike capabilities in the unmanned combat domain.
Evolution of the ULPGM Missile System
The ULPGM family, developed by the Research Centre Imarat (RCI) in Hyderabad, represents a steady progression in India’s indigenous missile technology. The program began with the ULPGM-V1, which was a basic free-fall precision-guided munition designed to strike stationary ground targets. While effective, its range was limited by the launch platform’s altitude and speed.
To address these limitations, the ULPGM-V2 was developed with the addition of a propulsion system, significantly extending its standoff range and allowing it to engage moving targets with greater flexibility. The latest iteration, the ULPGM-V3, also known as ULM-ER (Extended Range), is a sophisticated multi-role missile. Unlike its predecessors, the V3 is capable of dual-mode operations, meaning it can target both surface assets like tanks and bunkers, as well as aerial threats such as enemy drones and helicopters.
| Feature | ULPGM-V1 | ULPGM-V2 | ULPGM-V3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Free-fall Munition | Propelled Missile | Multi-role Missile |
| Range | 1.5 to 2 km | 4 to 6 km | Up to 10 km |
| Weight | ~5 kg | 8.5 kg | 12.5 kg |
| Modes | Air-to-Ground | Air-to-Ground | Air-to-Ground & Air-to-Air |
| Status | Early Variant | Limited Production | Final Trials Completed |
Technical Capabilities and Precision Strike Features
The ULPGM-V3 is a lightweight system, weighing only 12.5 kg, which allows it to be carried in multiple numbers by various tactical and high-endurance Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). Despite its small size, it packs a significant punch with a standoff range of up to 10 km, ensuring that the launch platform can stay safely away from enemy short-range air defenses.
Guidance and Targeting
One of the most advanced features of the missile is its high-definition dual-channel Imaging Infrared (IIR) seeker. This passive homing technology allows the missile to “see” its target based on thermal signatures, ensuring high accuracy in both day and night conditions. Furthermore, the missile is equipped with a two-way digital data link, enabling Lock-On After Launch (LOAL). This allows the operator to update the target or change the aim point even after the missile has left the UAV, providing immense tactical flexibility in dynamic environments.
Modular Warhead Options
The V3 configuration is designed for versatility, offering three modular warhead types that can be swapped based on the mission requirements:
- Anti-Armour: A tandem-charge warhead designed to defeat tanks equipped with Explosive Reactive Armour (ERA).
- Penetration-cum-Blast: Optimized for destroying reinforced bunkers and fortified structures.
- Pre-fragmentation: Designed for anti-personnel roles and neutralizing soft-skinned targets over a wider area.
Strategic Significance of the ULPGM-V3
The successful completion of the V3 trials is a landmark event for India’s unmanned combat ecosystem. The missile is slated for integration with indigenous platforms like the TAPAS-BH-201 and the weaponized Archer-NG UAVs. By arming these drones with high-precision missiles, India can transform its surveillance-heavy UAV fleet into a potent strike force capable of persistent loitering and immediate engagement of high-value targets.
Counter-Drone Capabilities
A unique strategic advantage of the ULPGM-V3 is its Air-to-Air mode. In a modern battlefield where low-cost “suicide drones” and tactical helicopters pose significant threats, the V3 provides a cost-effective solution for neutralizing these aerial intruders. This capability is crucial for protecting high-value infrastructure and forward-deployed troops from airborne threats.
Boosting “Aatmanirbhar Bharat”
The development of the ULPGM series aligns with the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) initiative. By reducing dependency on imported precision-guided munitions (like the American Hellfire missiles), India can significantly lower its defense procurement costs. The mature supply chain, involving production partners like Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and Adani Defence Systems, ensures that the missile can be manufactured at scale to meet the requirements of all three wings of the Indian Armed Forces.
Role of the National Open Area Range (NOAR)
The National Open Area Range (NOAR), located in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, has emerged as a premier facility for validating next-generation indigenous technologies. Spread over approximately 2,295 acres, it provides the vast, open airspace necessary for testing long-range precision missiles and Directed Energy Weapons (DEW).
The range is specifically designed to handle high-tech “Star Wars”-grade systems, such as high-powered laser weapons. In April 2025, NOAR hosted the successful trial of India’s first high-powered laser weapon, the Mk-II(A). By hosting the ULPGM-V3 trials, NOAR has further cemented its role as a strategic hub for the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiative, fostering collaboration between DRDO labs, private giants, and over 30 MSMEs and defense startups.
Key Takeaways
- DRDO successfully completed the final deliverable configuration trials of the ULPGM-V3 missile on May 27, 2026.
- The missile weighs 12.5 kg and has a standoff range of 10 km, featuring both Air-to-Ground and Air-to-Air strike capabilities.
- It is equipped with a high-definition dual-channel Imaging Infrared (IIR) seeker and a two-way data link for real-time target updates.
- The ULPGM series is developed by the Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad, a nodal laboratory of DRDO.
- The missile will be integrated with indigenous UAV platforms such as the TAPAS-BH-201 and the Archer-NG.
- The National Open Area Range (NOAR) in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, is a strategic 2,295-acre facility for testing advanced weapon systems.
