Context:
India has successfully conducted flight trials of the UAV-Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3 at the NOAR test range in Kurnool, marking a major step forward in the country’s indigenous drone warfare capabilities.
What is ULPGM-V3?
ULPGM-V3 (UAV-Launched Precision Guided Missile – Version 3), also referred to as ULM-ER (Extended Range), is an advanced air-to-surface precision missile designed to be launched from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). It is engineered to engage both static and mobile targets with minimal collateral damage.
- Developed by: DRDO
- Partners: Bharat Dynamics Ltd. (BDL), Adani Defence, MSMEs, and Indian start-ups under Make in India
- Objective: Enable high-precision autonomous drone strikes, reducing dependency on manned combat aircraft.
Evolution and Variants
- ULPGM-V1 – Baseline prototype
- ULPGM-V2 – Standard production-ready model
- ULPGM-V3 / ULM-ER – Extended-range, advanced version with improved seeker and targeting systems
Key Features of ULPGM-V3
- Precision Fire-and-Forget Capability:
Imaging Infrared (IIR) seeker for all-weather, day-night target acquisition - Extended Range:
- Up to 4 km during day
- Up to 2.5 km at night, powered by dual-thrust solid propulsion
- Advanced Targeting and Control:
- Two-way datalink for real-time mid-course updates and enhanced accuracy
- Warhead Versatility:
- Configurable for anti-tank, bunker-busting, and anti-personnel missions
- Lightweight UAV Integration:
- Weighs just 12.5 kg
- Compatible with Rustom, TAPAS-BH, and other medium-altitude long-endurance UAVs
