India DRDO’s UAV launched precision guided missile V3 test fired successfully (19.05.2026).
DRDO Completes Trials for UAV-Launched Precision Missiles: KURNOOL, ANDHRA PRADESH — In a move that significantly alters the landscape of India’s aerial combat capabilities, the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully concluded the final development trials of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3.
The trials, conducted at a specialized range near Kurnool, mark a pivotal shift toward indigenous high-tech warfare, proving the missile’s efficacy in both Air-to-Ground and Air-to-Air combat modes.
A Dual-Threat Capability
The ULPGM-V3 is designed to be a versatile “hunter-killer” asset. During the recent tests, the system demonstrated its precision across two critical mission profiles:
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Anti-Tank Warfare: In Air-to-Ground mode, the missile neutralized armored targets with high accuracy.
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Aerial Interception: In Air-to-Air mode, the system successfully engaged airborne threats, including enemy drones and helicopters.
The entire operation was managed via an integrated Ground Control System (GCS). This GCS is not merely a remote; it utilizes state-of-the-art automation to handle pre-launch readiness and firing sequences, reducing the cognitive load on human operators and increasing strike speed.
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The Power of the Domestic Ecosystem
This achievement is being hailed as a “strategic milestone” for the Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) initiative. Unlike previous systems that relied heavily on foreign subsystems, the ULPGM-V3 was birthed entirely within the Indian defence ecosystem.
Key Collaborators in Development:
| Entity | Role |
| Research Centre Imarat (RCI) | Nodal Laboratory (Lead Developer) |
| DRDL, TBRL, & HEMRL | Propulsion, Warhead, and Ballistics support |
| Newspace Research and Technologies | UAV Platform Integration |
| Bharat Dynamics & Adani Defence | Production Partners |
The involvement of a vast network of MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) ensures that the supply chain is not only domestic but also “fully mature,” according to DRDO officials. This maturity means the system is ready for immediate serial mass production.
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India DRDO’s UAV launched precision guided missile V3 test fired successfully (19.05.2026).
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh extended his compliments to the DRDO, public sector undertakings (PSUs), and private industry partners. He emphasized that the successful integration of these missiles onto UAVs represents a major step toward technological sovereignty in defence.
“The successful development of ULPGM-V3 is a strategic milestone achieved towards Aatmanirbharta in Defence,” stated Rajnath Singh, noting the missile’s importance in countering modern airborne and ground-based threats.
Echoing this sentiment, Samir V Kamat, Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO, congratulated the teams for their technical excellence. He noted that the seamless coordination between government labs and private production agencies like Bharat Dynamics Limited and Adani Defence Systems & Technologies serves as a blueprint for future indigenous projects.
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What’s Next?
With the completion of these trials, the ULPGM-V3 is expected to undergo final user evaluations before being inducted into the Indian Armed Forces. The ability to arm indigenous drones with indigenous precision missiles puts India in an elite group of nations capable of manufacturing end-to-end unmanned combat aerial systems (UCAS).
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