India Test-Fires Drone-Launched Missile, Marks Breakthrough in Defence Power

India has taken a significant leap in its defence technology capabilities with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully test-firing a precision-guided missile from a drone at the National Open Area Range (NOAR) in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh.

Project Details & Key Contributors
The missile, designated ULPGM-V3 (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle-Launched Precision Guided Missile, Version 3), represents a new generation of lightweight, drone-deployable weaponry.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hailed the achievement as a “major boost to India’s defence capabilities” and congratulated DRDO, along with Adani Defence, Bharat Dynamics Ltd, and over 30 MSMEs and start-ups who contributed to the project.

Technical Capabilities
ULPGM-V3 is equipped with an advanced imaging infrared (IIR) or dual-channel seeker, enabling accurate “fire-and-forget” engagement both during the day and at night.

A two-way data link provides real-time mid-course corrections for pinpoint accuracy.
Weighing roughly 12.5 kg, the missile has an operational range of around 4 km in daylight and 2.5 km in low-light conditions.

Its modular warhead options include:

• Anti-armour for tanks and armoured vehicles
• Penetration-cum-blast for fortified positions
• Pre-fragmentation for wide-area damage against soft targets

Development & Strategic Impact
The missile was developed through collaboration among multiple DRDO laboratories and was launched from a UAV designed by Newspace Research Technologies, a Bengaluru-based start-up.

Manufacturing was supported by Adani Defence, Bharat Dynamics Ltd, and a network of MSMEs, showcasing India’s growing public–private partnership in the defence sector.

This successful demonstration strengthens India’s drive for Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) and enhances its precision strike capabilities in modern warfare.