DRDO successfully tests indigenous UAV missile in dual combat modes

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully completed the final development trials of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3 in both air-to-ground and air-to-air modes, marking a significant boost to India’s indigenous defence capabilities and the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.The trials were carried out at the DRDO test range near Kurnool using an integrated Ground Control System designed to command and control the ULPGM weapon system. According to DRDO, the system incorporates advanced technologies that automate readiness and launch operations.
According to agency reports, the ULPGM-V3 missile has been developed mainly for anti-tank operations in air-to-ground mode while also demonstrating the capability to engage drones, helicopters and other airborne targets in air-to-air mode.According to DRDO the missile system was integrated with unmanned aerial vehicles developed by NewSpace Research and Technologies, based in Bengaluru, for the current set of trials.The missile was developed by Research Centre Imarat as the nodal laboratory in collaboration with other DRDO laboratories, including Defence Research and Development Laboratory, Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory and High Energy Materials Research Laboratory.For production and manufacturing, DRDO partnered with Bharat Dynamics Limited and Adani Defence & Aerospace.

DRDO has successfully completed the final deliverable configuration development trials of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3 in both Air-to-Ground and Air-to-Air modes at the DRDO test range near Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh.

Developed entirely… pic.twitter.com/k1eY5u8TA7

— Ministry of Defence, Government of India (@SpokespersonMoD) May 19, 2026

According to the Ministry of Defence the missile has been produced entirely within India’s domestic defence ecosystem with the participation of several MSMEs and industrial partners. The successful trials also validated a mature indigenous supply chain capable of supporting immediate serial mass production.Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, public sector undertakings, industry partners and production agencies for the successful completion of the trials. He described the achievement as a “strategic milestone” in strengthening India’s self-reliance in defence manufacturing.Department of Defence R&D Secretary and DRDO Chairman Samir V Kamat also congratulated the scientists, engineers and teams involved in the development and testing of the missile system.