How DRDO's new drone-launched missile offers precision strikes, anti-drone combat capability

📌 Summary:

• DRDO on 19 May 2026 completed final development trials of the UAV-Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM-V3) at the National Open Area Range, Kurnool (Andhra Pradesh), in both air-to-ground and air-to-air modes — paving the way for user trials by the armed forces

• "Deliverable configuration" tag signals that the design is frozen; few changes expected in subsequent user trials

• Evolution: V1 was a basic free-fall precision munition; V2 added propulsion, longer range, and mid-course target updates; V3 adds ability to engage both ground AND aerial targets (including drones and helicopters), advanced multi-sensor seeker, day-and-night capability, and a two-way data link allowing target re-designation after launch

• Three swappable warhead options — anti-armour (for tanks with explosive reactive armour), penetration-cum-blast (for bunkers), and pre-fragmentation (for area damage)

• Production partners: Bharat Dynamics Limited (PSU) and Adani Defence Systems and Technologies (private). UAV integration by Newspace Research and Technologies, Bengaluru — fits the Atmanirbhar Bharat / iDEX private-sector defence model

• Developed by Research Centre Imarat (Hyderabad) as nodal lab, with DRDL Hyderabad, TBRL Chandigarh and HEMRL Pune supporting

🎯 UPSC Relevance: GS3 — Science & Technology (indigenous defence R&D, drone warfare). Strategic significance lies in shifting modern battlefield calculus where drones now dominate (Russia–Ukraine, Op Sindoor takeaways) and India needs cost-effective precision munitions for high-altitude border deployment.

📝 Prelims Facts:

• ULPGM-V3 = UAV-Launched Precision Guided Missile, Version 3 (DRDO)
• Test range: National Open Area Range, Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh
• Nodal lab: Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad
• Production: Bharat Dynamics Ltd (BDL) + Adani Defence Systems
• Three warhead types: anti-armour, penetration-cum-blast, pre-fragmentation
• Feature: two-way data link for in-flight target update

🔑 Key Term: ULPGM-V3 — an indigenously developed drone-launched precision guided missile with dual air-to-air and air-to-ground capability, swappable warheads, and a two-way data link, designed for modern drone-centric warfare.