DRDO test-fires drone-launched missile in Andhra Pradesh

In a significant boost to Indiarsquos indigenous defence capabilities a dronelaunched precisionguided missile has been successfully testfired by the Defence Research and Development Organisation DRDO at a test range in Andhra PradeshDefence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Friday that the flight trials were carried out in KurnoolAnnouncing the achievement on the social media platform X Defence Minister Rajnath Singh wroteldquoIn a major boost to Indiarsquos defence capabilities DRDO_India has successfully carried out flight trials of UAV Launched Precision Guided Missile ULPGMV3 in the National Open Area Range NOAR test range in Kurnool Andhra Pradesh Congratulations to DRDO and the industry partners DcPPs MSMEs and Startups for the development and successful trials of the ULPGMV3 system This success proves that the Indian industry is now ready to absorb and produce critical Defence TechnologiesrdquoIn a major boost to Indiarsquos defence capabilities DRDO_India has successfully carried out flight trials of UAV Launched Precision Guided Missile ULPGMV3 in the National Open Area Range NOAR test range in Kurnool Andhra PradeshCongratulations to DRDO and the industryhellip pictwittercomKR4gzafMoQmdash Rajnath Singh rajnathsingh July 25 2025While detailed specifications of the ULPGMV3 remain classified its development is part of a clear technological trajectory in Indiarsquos guided missile programmeEarlier ULPGMV2 was developed by DRDOrsquos Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory TBRL featuring multiple warhead configurations The evolution toward UAVlaunched extendedrange munitions unveiled at Aero India 2025 includes sophisticated enhancements such as imaging infrared IIR seekers and dualthrust propulsion systems features likely present in the V3 variantThe successful test reflects Indiarsquos growing focus on unmanned precision strike capabilities a key area in modern warfare strategyULPGM systems are designed to be lightweight precise and compatible with various aerial platforms providing strategic flexibility in combat environmentsThe choice of NOAR in Kurnool for the trial is consistent with DRDOs strategy of using the facility to validate cuttingedge technologies The range has recently hosted successful trials of highenergy laserbased Directed Energy Weapons DEWs including systems that neutralised fixedwing UAVs and swarm drones demonstrating Indias expanding hightech testing infrastructureThe successful trial marks another step forward in the nationrsquos push for selfreliance in critical defence technologies powered by collaborative efforts between DRDO private industry and MSMEsMeanwhile earlier in July India has tested an extended range antisubmarine rocket system that is expected to significantly enhance the Indian Navys fire power The user trials of Extended Range AntiSubmarine Rocket ERASR have been successfully carried out from INS Kavaratti officials saidWith inputs from Agencies