Indigenous Drone-Launched Smart Missile Successfully Tested by DRDO

Context:

The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) carried out successful developmental trials of the latest configuration of the drone-fired precision strike missile system, designated ULPGM-V3, at the test facility near Kurnool in Andhra Pradesh.

Drone-Deployed Precision Strike Missile System (ULPGM-V3)

About the Advanced Drone Missile System

Nature of the System

The ULPGM-V3, alternatively referred to as the Unmanned Launch Munition–Extended Range (ULM-ER), is an indigenous lightweight smart missile tailored for modern unmanned combat operations.

It enables UAV platforms to launch precision attacks on armored vehicles, fortified military positions, and hostile aerial systems while minimizing risks to pilots and expensive aircraft platforms.

Lead Development Centre: The missile project has been spearheaded by the Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad, in coordination with several DRDO laboratories.

Strategic Objective

The missile has been designed to provide the Indian Armed Forces with a compact, autonomous, and economical precision-strike capability for next-generation warfare scenarios.

Its operational purpose includes eliminating critical enemy assets such as armored formations, fortified shelters, surveillance drones, and low-flying aerial threats even under electronic jamming and denied-communication conditions.

Major Technological Highlights

Lightweight Airframe

The missile weighs nearly 12.5 kilograms and features a compact structural architecture, allowing integration with diverse categories of tactical and endurance unmanned aerial vehicles.

Increased Engagement Envelope

The weapon system supports a strike range of up to 10 km, with effective engagement distances of around 4 km during daytime operations and nearly 2.5 km at night.

Smart Guidance Architecture

The missile incorporates a dual-mode targeting mechanism comprising an Imaging Infrared (IIR) seeker and laser-based guidance, enabling accurate target acquisition under all-weather and round-the-clock conditions.

High Precision Capability

It reportedly achieves an extremely low Circular Error Probable (CEP) of nearly 10 cm, allowing highly accurate strikes against designated targets.

Real-Time Communication Link

An integrated two-way S-band datalink enables live target updates, mid-flight corrections, and dynamic retargeting during operations.

Advanced Propulsion

The missile is powered by a dual-thrust solid rocket motor utilizing low-visibility smokeless propellant technology, thereby reducing the chances of visual detection.

Flexible Warhead Options

The platform supports interchangeable payload variants suited for varied combat requirements:

• Anti-Tank Variant: Equipped with an Explosively Formed Penetrator (EFP) for destroying heavily armored battle tanks through top-attack trajectories.
• Penetration-Blast Configuration: Designed to breach and destroy reinforced bunkers and hardened defensive infrastructure.
• Fragmentation Payload: Optimized for neutralizing personnel concentrations and lightly protected targets.

Importance of the Development

Boost to Indigenous Defence Ecosystem

The successful trials strengthen India’s domestic drone-weapon manufacturing ecosystem involving more than 30 Indian MSMEs and emerging defence startups.

Enhanced Counter-Drone Warfare Capability

The system significantly improves the ability of Indian unmanned platforms to engage hostile drones, helicopters, and loitering munitions in future battle environments.

Source : The Times of India