Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh – July 25, 2025:
In a significant milestone for India’s defence capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully conducted flight trials of the UAV Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3 at the National Open Area Range (NOAR) in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh.
The latest version, ULPGM-V3, marks a technological upgrade over its predecessor, ULPGM-V2, which had earlier been developed and delivered by DRDO. The successful trials underline the growing self-reliance and advanced technological capabilities of India’s indigenous defence research sector.
Defence sources confirmed that the test validated the missile’s enhanced precision strike capabilities, improved range, and upgraded guidance systems. The ULPGM-V3 is designed to be launched from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), providing a vital edge in modern warfare scenarios by enabling stand-off engagement of targets with minimal exposure to operators.
“The successful trial is a major boost to our mission of strengthening India’s indigenous defence technology and enhancing the operational capabilities of our armed forces,” a DRDO spokesperson said following the test.
The trial at the NOAR test range was observed by senior DRDO scientists, defence personnel, and representatives from the armed forces.
The development is part of DRDO’s broader push towards next-generation missile systems as part of the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative, which aims to reduce dependency on foreign defence imports and promote indigenous innovation.
More trials are expected to follow in the coming months before the missile is cleared for induction into the armed forces.
