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DRDO Successfully Tests Indigenous ULPGM-V3
What's the News?
- The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully completed final configuration trials of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3 at its Kurnool test range, Andhra Pradesh.
- The missile was tested in both Air-to-Ground (anti-tank) and Air-to-Air (counter-drone/helicopter) modes using an integrated Ground Control System (GCS).
- Developed by Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad as the nodal laboratory, the ULPGM-V3 is a lightweight, fire-and-forget weapon designed for integration with tactical UAVs.
- The trials confirm a fully mature indigenous supply chain, enabling immediate serial production under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Technical Specifications & Capabilities
- Weight & Platform Compatibility: Ultra-lightweight design at 12.5 kg, enabling integration with multiple tactical and high-endurance UAV platforms.
- Operational Range: Extended strike range up to 10 km; effective engagement envelope of 4 km (day) and 2.5 km (night).
- Guidance System: Dual-channel Imaging Infrared (IIR) seeker with laser guidance for all-weather, day-night target acquisition.
- Accuracy: Circular Error Probable (CEP) of 10 cm, ensuring precision strikes on high-value point targets.
- Data Link: Two-way S-Band digital datalink for real-time target updates, mid-course correction, and in-flight re-targeting.
- Propulsion: Advanced dual-thrust, smokeless solid rocket motor for low-observable launch signature.
- Modular Warhead Options:
- Anti-Armor/EFP: Explosively Formed Penetrator for top-attack against main battle tanks.
- Penetration-Cum-Blast (PCB): Bunker-buster variant for hardened structures.
- Pre-Fragmented: Area-effect warhead for anti-personnel/soft targets.
Additional Info
- DRDO Laboratories Involved:
- Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad: Nodal lab for missile systems and avionics.
- Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad: Missile aerodynamics and propulsion.
- Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL), Chandigarh: Warhead design and lethality.
- High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL), Pune: Propellant and energetic materials.
- Related Initiatives & Policy Frameworks:
- Make in India (Defence): Promotes domestic design, development, and manufacturing of defence equipment.
- Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX): Supports startups/MSMEs in defence innovation; several ULPGM contributors are iDEX partners.
- Positive Indigenisation Lists (PILs): Ministry of Defence embargoes import of items on PILs, creating assured demand for indigenous systems like ULPGM.
- Constitutional & Strategic Linkages:
- Supports Article 51 (Directive Principle: promote international peace and security) by strengthening credible deterrence.
- Aligns with National Security Strategy emphasis on technology-driven, network-centric warfare.
- Advances SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) through defence-industrial ecosystem development.