The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has completed final deliverable-configuration trials of the UAV-launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM-V3) [1, 2].
This milestone represents a significant step in India's effort to develop indigenous weaponry. By creating a missile capable of both anti-tank and air-combat roles, the country reduces its reliance on foreign military imports.
The trials took place at a DRDO test range near Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh [1, 5]. During the exercises, the system was tested in two distinct operational modes: air-to-ground for anti-tank engagements, and air-to-air for combat against other aerial targets [1, 3].
Production of the missile system will involve Bharat Dynamics and Adani Defence [1, 2]. These agencies are slated to move the weapon from the testing phase into active production for the armed forces.
The development of the ULPGM-V3 is part of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, which seeks to make India self-reliant in the defence sector [3, 4]. The missile is designed to be launched from unmanned aerial vehicles, allowing for precision strikes without risking human pilots.
By integrating these capabilities into a single platform, the DRDO aims to provide a versatile tool for modern warfare. The successful completion of these trials in May 2026 indicates that the weapon is now ready for deployment in a combat environment [4, 1].
“The system was tested in two distinct operational modes: air-to-ground for anti-tank engagements and air-to-air”
The successful trial of the ULPGM-V3 shifts the tactical utility of India's UAV fleet from primarily surveillance and reconnaissance to active precision strike capabilities. By utilizing a dual-mode missile, the military can engage both armored ground targets and aerial threats with a single platform, streamlining logistics and increasing the flexibility of unmanned operations along contested borders.
