-DRDO Achieves Major Milestone At Test Range Near Kurnool In Andhra Pradesh

New Delhi, May 20 (H.S.): India has successfully demonstrated the capability to launch precision-guided missiles from an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), enabling the targeting of enemy drones, helicopters and other aerial threats with high accuracy. The achievement was accomplished during the final developmental trials conducted at the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) test range near Kurnool in Andhra Pradesh.

DRDO successfully completed the developmental trials of the final refined configuration of the UAV-Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3, capable of operating in both air-to-surface and air-to-air modes. The trials were carried out using an integrated Ground Control System (GCS), designed to ensure effective command and control of the ULPGM weapon system.

The advanced GCS is equipped with state-of-the-art technologies that automate readiness, target acquisition and launch procedures, significantly enhancing mission efficiency and strike precision.

DRDO has partnered with Bharat Dynamics Limited, based in Hyderabad, and Adani Defence Systems and Technologies Limited for the development and production of the missile systems.

For the current trials, the missile system was integrated with a UAV developed by Bengaluru-based NewSpace Research and Technologies.

The ULPGM missile has been developed by Hyderabad-based Research Centre Imarat as the nodal laboratory, in collaboration with several other DRDO laboratories, including the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) in Hyderabad, the Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL) in Chandigarh and the High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL) in Pune.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, public sector undertakings, defence production partners and industry stakeholders on the successful trials of the ULPGM-V3 system.

He stated that the missile’s successful performance in both air-to-surface anti-tank operations and air-to-air engagements against drones, helicopters and other aerial targets represents a major strategic achievement towards achieving self-reliance in the defence sector.

Secretary, Department of Defence Research and Development, and DRDO Chairman Samir V. Kamat also congratulated all teams associated with the trials for accomplishing the significant milestone.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar