Background and Context
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted flight trials of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM-V3) at the National Open Area Range (NOAR), Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh. This test represents a major milestone in India's indigenous missile development programme.
Key Test Details
- Location: National Open Area Range (NOAR), Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh
- Platform: Indigenous UAV developed by NewSpace Research Technologies
- Support: 30 MSMEs and start-ups
- Testing Mode: Both Air-to-Ground and Air-to-Air modes
- Configuration: Tested in Anti-armour configuration
About ULPGM-V3
Purpose and Role
- Air-to-Ground: Mainly designed for destroying modern tanks and armoured vehicles
- Air-to-Air: Capable of targeting enemy drones, helicopters, and other airborne threats
- Upgraded Version: Enhanced version of DRDO's ULPGM-V2
Key Features
- Precision Targeting: Equipped with high-definition dual-channel seeker for precise engagement
- All-Weather Capability: Full day-and-night operational capability
- Terrain Flexibility: Designed for both plain terrains and high-altitude regions
- Real-Time Guidance: Two-way data transmission for post-launch target updates and mid-course corrections
- Anti-Bunker Role: Penetration-cum-Blast warhead for fortified structures and bunker targets
Warhead Configurations
The ULPGM-V3 offers three modular warhead options:
- Anti-armour warhead: For modern armoured vehicles with Rolled Homogeneous Armour (RHA) and Explosive Reactive Armour (ERA)
- Penetration-cum-Blast warhead: For anti-bunker applications
- Pre-fragmentation warhead: With high lethality effects
Significance for India's Defence Capabilities
- Strengthens indigenous drone-based precision strike capability
- Reduces dependence on imported defence systems
- Promotes participation of MSMEs and start-ups in defence manufacturing
- Enhances India's asymmetric warfare capabilities
- Supports AtmaNirbhar Bharat initiative in defence sector
Related Organisations
- DRDO: Primary R&D organisation responsible for missile development
- NewSpace Research Technologies: Developed the indigenous UAV platform
- MSMEs/Start-ups: Contributed through collaborative development
Key Terminology
- RHA (Rolled Homogeneous Armour): Standard steel armour used in tanks
- ERA (Explosive Reactive Armour): Active protection system for armoured vehicles
- Dual-channel seeker: Advanced guidance system using multiple sensors
- Penetration-cum-Blast warhead: Designed to penetrate before detonation