'Boost to India's defence': DRDO successfully tests UAV-Launched Precision Missile ULPGM-V3; key features

NEW DELHI: India has successfully carried out flight trials of UAV Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3 in the National Open Area Range (NOAR), a test range in Kurnool , Andhra Pradesh.

Defence minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the team and said that this success proves that the Indian industry is now ready to absorb and produce critical Defence Technologies.

"In a major boost to India’s defence capabilities, @ DRDO _India has successfully carried out flight trials of UAV Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3 in the National Open Area Range (NOAR), test range in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh. Congratulations to DRDO and the industry partners, DcPPs, MSMEs and Start-ups for the development and successful trials of the ULPGM-V3 system. This success proves that the Indian industry is now ready to absorb and produce critical Defence Technologies," Singh said in a post on X.

In a major boost to India’s defence capabilities, @DRDO_India has successfully carried out flight trials of UAV Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3 in the National Open Area Range (NOAR), test range in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh.

Congratulations to DRDO and the industry… pic.twitter.com/KR4gzafMoQ

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) July 25, 2025

The ULPGM-V3, an extended-range variant, also referred to as ULM-ER was showcased at the Aero India 2025 show, which was held in Bangalore from 10 to 14 February.

Key details

• The ULM-ER, an extended-range variant of DRDO's UAV-Launched Precision Guided Munition (ULPGM) air-to-surface missile, features passive homing with an imaging infrared (IR) seeker for both day and night operations, according to DRDO website citing Janes news.
• The 12.5 kg fire-and-forget missile is powered by a small dualthrust solid propulsion unit, enabling it to achieve a maximum range of 4 km during the day and 2.5 km at night.
• Communication is facilitated via a two-way datalink. With multiple warhead options, the munition is designed to engage various static and moving targets.
• Adani and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) are key manufacturing partners for the ULPGM project, while the DRDO is responsible for the development and testing of the munitions.
• There are three known ULPGM variants: ULPGM V1 (baseline), ULPGM V2 (production variant, also known as ULPGM), and ULPGM V3 (extended-range variant, also referred to as ULM-ER).
• The primary differences between V1, V2, and V3 lie in enhancements to guidance systems, performance, and range.