According to the Ministry of Defence, the ULPGM-V3 is an upgraded version of the previous ULPGM series, featuring a high-definition dual-channel seeker, two-way data link, and capability for day and night operations. The system allows in-flight aim-point correction and offers high accuracy against fixed and moving targets.
The missile has a modular warhead system with three variants:
- Anti-armour – to defeat tanks equipped with Explosive Reactive Armour (ERA)
- Penetration-cum-blast – for hardened bunkers
- Pre-fragmentation – to neutralize soft targets and area positions
The recent trial demonstrated the anti-armour variant, launched from a UAV developed by Bengaluru-based start-up Newspace Research Technologies.
The development involved multiple DRDO laboratories, including the Research Centre Imarat (RCI) and Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL), along with industry partners such as Adani Defence, Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), and several MSMEs and start-ups.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO and industry collaborators, calling the test “a significant step towards self-reliance in advanced weapon systems.” DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V. Kamat said the achievement would strengthen India’s capabilities in next-generation unmanned combat technologies.
The successful test marks an important boost for India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative in defence and positions ULPGM-V3 as a key tactical weapon for future UAV combat operations.
