India's New Drone-Launched Precision Missile Passes Flight Test in Andhra Pradesh

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday announced that India has successfully tested the UAV-Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3. The flight trials took place at the National Open Area Range located in the Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh.

In a post on social media platform X, the minister congratulated the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and other partners involved in this achievement.

The post stated, "In a big step forward for India's defence strength, @DRDO_India has completed successful flight trials of the UAV-Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3 at the National Open Area Range in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh."

"Congratulations to DRDO and all its industry partners, including DcPPs, MSMEs, and start-ups, for developing and successfully testing the ULPGM-V3 system. This shows Indian companies can now take on and produce key defence technologies," the message added.

Army’s Technology Trials Across India

Back in May, the Indian Army carried out large-scale trials to test its combat readiness. These demonstrations took place at major sites, including Pokhran, Babina, and Joshimath. Air defence systems were also tested in Agra and Gopalpur.

As per a press release from May 31, these tests were conducted in conditions close to real combat, using electronic warfare simulations to deeply test modern defence tools.

On May 27, General Upendra Dwivedi, the Chief of the Army Staff, visited the Babina range to review the demonstrations and speak with key team members.

Focus on Self-Reliance and Modern Weapons

The trials showed off many new defence technologies made under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat program. The goal is to quickly improve India’s ability to develop and use homegrown defence equipment.

These tests support the Indian Army’s plan for a "Decade of Transformation" by quickly adopting new technology that matches modern combat needs.

Various Indian defence firms joined the trials, showing a growing partnership between the Indian Army and local manufacturers. Some of the key systems tested included Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), the ULPGM, Runway Independent Remotely Piloted Aerial Systems (RPAS), Counter-UAS solutions, Loitering Munitions, Special Vertical Launch Drones, Precision Delivery Systems, Drone Detection and Interdiction Systems, Lightweight Radars, Electronic Warfare platforms, and Next-Gen VSHORADS IR Systems.