India's Defence Research & Development Organisation successfully completed final trials of the indigenous UAV-Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM-V3) on May 19, 2026 [1].
The development of the system marks a significant step in India's push for defence self-reliance. By producing a home-grown precision weapon, the country reduces its dependency on foreign military imports for high-tech drone warfare capabilities.
The trials took place at a DRDO test range located near Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh [2]. During the exercises, the ULPGM-V3 was tested in both air-to-ground and air-to-air modes [3]. These capabilities allow the missile to engage a diverse array of targets, including tanks, drones, and helicopters [5].
As a "fire-and-forget" system, the missile is designed to track and destroy targets autonomously after launch [4]. This functionality allows the operating drone to maintain a safer distance from the target or engage multiple threats more efficiently. The missile's ability to operate in dual modes, targeting both ground assets and aerial threats, provides a versatile tactical advantage for unmanned aerial vehicles.
DRDO officials said that the successful completion of these final trials means the weapon is now ready for potential integration into India's active defence inventory [6]. The project focuses on providing a precision-strike capability that can be deployed via UAVs, which minimizes the risk to human pilots during high-risk missions.
The indigenous nature of the ULPGM-V3 aligns with national goals to modernize the armed forces using locally developed technology. The system is intended to enhance the precision of strikes while lowering the cost of maintaining advanced missile stockpiles over time.
“The ULPGM-V3 was tested in both air-to-ground and air-to-air modes.”
The successful trial of the ULPGM-V3 indicates a shift toward more autonomous and versatile unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) in India's military strategy. By integrating a dual-mode, fire-and-forget missile into its drone fleet, India gains the ability to conduct precision strikes against both armored ground units and enemy aircraft without risking manned aircraft, fundamentally altering the tactical landscape of regional border security.
