DRDO Completes ULPGM-V3 Air-to-Ground and Air-to-Air Trials

DRDO completes trials of drone-launched missile ULPGM-V3

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Battle Brief

DRDO completed final deliverable-configuration development trials of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3 in air-to-ground and air-to-air modes at a DRDO test range near Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh. An integrated Ground Control System commanded the weapon. Production partners are Bharat Dynamics Limited and Adani Defence Systems & Technologies; Research Centre Imarat is the nodal lab.

Fact File

System: ULPGM-V3 (UAV-launched precision guided missile)
Modes: air-to-ground (anti-tank) and air-to-air (drone, helicopter and other airborne targets)
Place: DRDO test range near Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh
GCS: integrated Ground Control System for readiness and launch
Partners: BDL and Adani Defence (Hyderabad); UAV by Newspace Research and Technologies, Bengaluru
Nodal lab: Research Centre Imarat, Hyderabad (with DRDL, TBRL, HEMRL)

In the news

ULPGM-V3 development trials: what happened?

Drones need their own weapons. ULPGM-V3 is a missile meant to fly off a UAV—against tanks on the ground or other aircraft in the air—built through Indian labs and industry.

Trials said to confirm a mature domestic supply chain ready for serial production.
Large MSME and industry participation claimed.

Back Story

Who builds it?

RCI leads with other DRDO labs; two Hyderabad production agencies; UAV integration by a Bengaluru firm for these trials.

Why examiners care

Why does ULPGM-V3 development trials matter?

Defence R&D: UAV-launched PGMs mature.
Industry: PSU + private production path.

Exam Radar

What can Prelims ask on ULPGM-V3 development trials?

ULPGM-V3: A-G and A-A trials near Kurnool completed.
Partners: BDL, Adani Defence; nodal lab RCI.

How to use this in Mains

GS-III Security; indigenisation of technology

As per PIB (2026-05-19): DRDO completed final development trials of the UAV Launched Precision Guided Missile-V3 in air-to-ground and air-to-air modes at its range near Kurnool.
It builds India's own capability in drone warfare.

Quotable data point
DRDO completed final development trials of the UAV Launched Precision Guided Missile-V3 in air-to-ground and air-to-air modes at its range near Kurnool.
PIB: Defence: ULPGM-V3, 19 May 2026

Practice MCQs

Original practice questions (not PYQs).

Practice · UPSC

ULPGM-V3 trials were completed near

Answer (b) & explanation

PIB (DRDO), 19 May 2026.

Quick questions

Questions students ask about this

What does ULPGM stand for?

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Launched Precision Guided Missile.

Which modes were trialled for V3?

Air-to-ground and air-to-air.

Where were the trials held?

A DRDO test range near Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh.