DRDO Successfully Tests Indigenous ULPGM-V3 Missile System

New Delhi, May 2026 : The Defence Ministry on Tuesday announced the successful completion of development trials for the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3, marking a significant advancement in India’s indigenous defence capabilities. The trials were conducted at the DRDO test range near Kurnool in Andhra Pradesh and included both Air-to-Ground and Air-to-Air operational modes.

The missile system demonstrated its effectiveness in multiple combat scenarios, including anti-tank operations as well as engagements against drones, helicopters, and other airborne targets. The successful trials represent a major step towards strengthening India’s self-reliance in advanced defence technologies under the government’s ‘Aatmanirbharta’ initiative.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), public sector undertakings, defence production partners, and private industry stakeholders involved in the project. He described the achievement as a strategic milestone that reinforces India’s growing indigenous defence manufacturing ecosystem.

The trials were carried out using an advanced integrated Ground Control System (GCS), which enabled command and control of the ULPGM weapon system. According to the Defence Ministry, the GCS incorporates state-of-the-art technologies designed to automate readiness assessment and missile launch operations, enhancing operational efficiency and precision.

DRDO collaborated with Bharat Dynamics Limited and Adani Defence Systems & Technologies Limited for the development and production of the missile system. The ULPGM-V3 was integrated with UAV platforms developed by Newspace Research and Technologies, Bengaluru, for the current round of trials.

The missile has been developed by the Research Centre Imarat as the nodal laboratory, with support from other DRDO facilities, including Defence Research & Development Laboratory, Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory, and High Energy Materials Research Laboratory.

The ministry stated that the missile system has been produced entirely within India’s domestic defence ecosystem, involving several MSMEs and industrial partners. Officials said the successful trials confirmed a mature indigenous supply chain capable of supporting immediate serial production.

DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V. Kamat also congratulated all teams associated with the successful trials.