India’s UAV‑Launched Missile V3 Clears Dual‑Mode Trials, Boosting Global Air Power

India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully completed final trials of the UAV‑Launched Precision Guided Missile‑V3 (ULPGM‑V3) at its Kurnool test range, marking a strategic milestone in indigenous defence capability under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

DRDO has partnered with two production agencies - Bharat Dynamics Limited, Hyderabad and Adani Defence Systems & Technologies Limited, Hyderabad - for the development and production of the missiles. The system has been integrated on UAVs developed by Newspace Research and Technologies, Bengaluru for current trials.

The ULPGM missile has been developed by Research Centre Imarat, Hyderabad as the nodal lab along with other DRDO laboratories namely Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL) Hyderabad, Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL), Chandigarh and High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL), Pune.

Key Highlights of ULPGM‑V3 Trials

Development trials of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Launched Precision Guided Missile-V3 in Air-to-Ground & Air-to-Air modes was successfully completed at DRDO test range near Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh. pic.twitter.com/Hl3AuJhsMP

— DRDO (@DRDO_India) May 19, 2026

• Dual‑mode capability: Effective in air‑to‑ground (anti‑tank) and air‑to‑air (drones, helicopters, airborne targets).
• Advanced Ground Control System: Integrated GCS automates readiness and launch operations.
• Indigenous development: Designed by Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad with support from DRDL, TBRL, and HEMRL.
• Industrial collaboration: Partners include Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), Adani Defence Systems, and UAV integration by NewSpace Research & Technologies.
• Supply chain maturity: Trials confirmed readiness for serial mass production with MSME participation.
• Leadership recognition: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and DRDO Chairman Samir V. Kamat hailed the achievement as a “strategic milestone.”

Technical Features

• High‑definition dual‑channel seeker: Enables day‑night precision targeting.
• Two‑way data link: Allows post‑launch target updates.
• Modular warheads: Anti‑armour, Penetration‑cum‑blast, Pre‑fragmentation.

Strategic Significance

• Force multiplier: UAV‑based PGMs reduce pilot risk and extend operational reach.
• Regional defence hub: Aligns with Andhra Pradesh’s aerospace and missile integration initiatives.
• Aatmanirbhar Bharat: Reinforces India’s push for self‑reliance in defence technologies.

Comparison Table: ULPGM‑V3 Capabilities

Feature	Details
Strike Modes	Air‑to‑Ground (anti‑tank), Air‑to‑Air (drones, helicopters, airborne targets)
Seeker System	Dual‑channel, day‑night capable
Warhead Options	Anti‑armour, Penetration‑cum‑blast, Pre‑fragmentation
Control System	Integrated GCS with automated launch readiness
Production Partners	Bharat Dynamics Ltd, Adani Defence
UAV Integration	NewSpace Research & Technologies
Supply Chain	Indigenous, MSME participation, ready for mass production

The missile has been produced entirely through the Indian defence ecosystem involving a large number of MSMEs and other industries. The trials confirmed fully mature domestic supply chain, equipped for immediate serial mass production.

Defence Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh  has complimented DRDO, PSUs, Defence cum Production Partners and industry for the successful development trials of ULPGM-V3 in Air-to-Ground mode for anti-tank role and Air-to-Air modes for Drone, Helicopter and other airborne targets. He termed it a strategic milestone achieved towards Aatmanirbharta in Defence.