Science & TechnologyImportant2025-07-25

DRDO Tests UAV-Launched Precision Guided Missile ULPGM-V3

In News

What Happened

On July 25, 2025, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully flight-tested the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3 at the National Open Area Range in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh. Launched from an indigenous drone developed by NewSpace Research and Technologies, the anti-armour configuration was tested. The missile features a high-definition dual-channel seeker and three modular warhead options.

Why It Matters

This test marks a significant milestone in India's Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative by proving domestic capability in autonomous, drone-launched precision weapons. It enhances the military's operational flexibility to conduct low-risk, pinpoint strikes in both plain and high-altitude terrains without exposing manned aircraft.

Background

History & Context

The ULPGM project is a collaboration between DRDO and private industry partners like NewSpace Research, Adani Defence, and Bharat Dynamics Limited under the Development cum Production Partner (DcPP) program. It builds upon the earlier ULPGM-V2 by adding advanced targeting capabilities to counter modern armored threats and hardened bunkers. The development aligns with the global shift towards unmanned, network-centric warfare, where drone-based missile usage has surged significantly in recent conflicts.

What Changed

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Range and Guidance: BEFORE, earlier indigenous air-to-surface munitions had limited precision and night-strike capabilities. NOW, ULPGM-V3 features a dual-thrust solid motor and a high-definition dual-channel seeker (Imaging Infrared and S-Band RF), enabling highly accurate daytime and nighttime strikes.
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Post-Launch Control: BEFORE, basic fire-and-forget missiles lacked mid-course correction capabilities once fired. NOW, the V3 variant includes a secure two-way data link that allows operators to update the target or aim-point even after the missile has been launched.
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Warhead Versatility: BEFORE, specialized missions required deploying entirely different missile systems for different targets. NOW, ULPGM-V3 offers three modular warhead options (Anti-armour, Penetration-cum-Blast, and Pre-fragmentation) integrated into a single lightweight 12.5 kg platform.

Prelims Angle

NCERT Connection

This aligns with the Class 12 Physics curriculum (Chapter: Electromagnetic Waves) which explains the use of infrared waves in remote sensing and target detection. The Imaging Infrared (IIR) seeker in the ULPGM-V3 applies these principles to detect the heat signatures of enemy targets for precision strikes, even in darkness.

Practice Questions

Q1

With Reference To

With reference to the UAV-Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3, consider the following statements: 1. It is jointly developed by DRDO and Israel Aerospace Industries to enhance drone warfare capabilities. 2. It features a two-way data link that allows for mid-course target updates after launch. 3. It offers modular warheads including an anti-armour configuration to defeat explosive reactive armour. Which of the statements given above are correct?

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