Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Launched Precision Guided Missile-V3 (ULPGM-V3)

The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully carried out the flight trials of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3 at the National Open Area Range (NOAR) test range in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh.

About ULPGM-V3

The ULPGM-V3 is a precision-guided air-to-surface missile designed to be launched from drones. It is developed to strike targets with high accuracy, reducing the risk to personnel, especially in combat situations. This missile is part of India's efforts to enhance its indigenous defence capabilities.

• Launch Platform: Drones

• Target: High-precision strikes with reduced risk to personnel

Key Features of ULPGM-V3

1. High-Definition Dual-Channel Seeker:

   • Enables the missile to strike a wide variety of targets with high accuracy.

2. Versatility in Terrain:

   • Can be deployed in plain and high-altitude areas.

   • Day-and-night capability ensures effective targeting in diverse conditions.

   • Equipped with a two-way data link for post-launch target/aim-point updates.

3. Warhead Options:

   • Anti-armour: Designed to destroy modern age armoured vehicles equipped with Rolled Homogeneous Armour (RHA) and Explosive Reactive Armour (ERA).

   • Penetration-cum-Blast warhead: For Anti-bunker applications.

   • Pre-fragmentation warhead: Ensures a high lethality zone, making it effective for various operational needs.

4. Variants of ULPGM:

   • ULPGM V1: Baseline variant

   • ULPGM V2: Production variant

   • ULPGM V3: Extended-range variant, also referred to as ULM-ER.

5. Lightweight Design:

   • Weighs 12.5 kg, allowing it to be integrated with lightweight drones.

   • Remote and mountainous operations: Can be carried and operated by individual soldiers in rugged terrains.

6. Tandem Warhead:

   • Equipped with a tandem warhead to defeat tanks with explosive reactive armor (ERA).

Performance and Range

• Range:

  • 4 km during the day

  • 2.5 km at night

• Weight:

  • The missile's compact design at 12.5 kg makes it suitable for lightweight drone integration.

Development and Collaboration

• The ULPGM-V3 missile is a joint development by the DRDO, Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), Adani, and multiple MSMEs and start-ups under the Make in India initiative.

• The collaboration reflects India's focus on self-reliance in defence technology, reducing dependence on foreign suppliers and fostering innovation within the country.

Significance and Strategic Impact

• Enhanced Precision and Safety: The ULPGM-V3 enables drone-launched attacks with a high degree of precision, reducing the risk to personnel and enhancing the effectiveness of the Indian Armed Forces in targeting high-value enemy assets.

• Flexibility for Ground Soldiers: The missile’s ability to be operated by individual soldiers in remote regions gives Indian forces greater flexibility and enhances tactical capabilities in difficult terrains like mountains and forests.

• Make in India Initiative: This project is a significant step towards self-reliance in advanced defence technologies, aligning with the government's vision for indigenous defence production.

Conclusion

The successful flight-trials of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Launched Precision Guided Missile-V3 (ULPGM-V3) mark an important milestone in India's defence capabilities.